Phosban 150 running Carbon

Staggs · Jan 2, 2016

Hey Guys,

I picked up a phosban 150 reactor and a mj1200 to run BRS's carbon. I just got a quick question on this....do I want this to tumble like my bio-pellets or just sit at the bottom?

I will have it pumping water from the water return area and dumping it into my skimmer area...if there is a better configuration (3 chamber sump = water return area, skimmer area, return pump area) that I should direct the water let me know as well.

Also any tips on how to keep the carbon in the reactor, it is so tiny that it passed right by the foam pads and into the sump (caught it before to much got out). Right now I have it cycling in a big bowl in my sink to watch it. I'm considering looking for a small filter bag or something to put it in to the reactor, but I'm hoping it will all sink....while i have it running in my sink.

vic5hands · Jan 2, 2016

I also have a phosban 150 to which I tumble carbon and also in a 150 tumble phosguard

vic67 · Jan 2, 2016

I think you should be using pelletized carbon in your reactor. It would not break up into tiny particles or dust and pass thru your sponges.

Staggs · Jan 2, 2016

I'm using the BRS ROX .08 carbon which is pelletized, I had the flow to high on the pump and it pushed through the foam disk on the reactor and into the sump. I do see some sitting on the sand bed that I need to figure out the best way to get it off the sand bed.

I got up right after I turned it on and came back a minute later or I would have caught it. I got the flow on the pump adjusted now so none is escaping and to be on the safe side I have the water that exits going through one of my filter socks.

Zane · Jan 2, 2016

I run gfo and carbon in a tlf 150, I just put the carbon in a panty hose so it doesn't tumble, or float away.

NanaReefer · Jan 2, 2016

You do not want carbon to tumble least it gets ground up. Same for GFO.

I use the same reactor/pump. Media is SeaChem SeaGel. A combination of Pellet shaped carbon and PhosGuard. 250ml placed between the 2 sponge pads and it's good to go.