Reactor Question

Kal · Jul 29, 2018

Hello,

I have two reactors, one for carbon and one for GFO. My problem is water doesn't move through them at all. It just trickles out. The first item linked below is what I am using for Carbon. The second (Reef Octopus) is what I am using for GFO. The GFO reactor is just... frustrating. The media is so fine that it just goes right through the included sponges and now I have a sump full of brown GFO media. For carbon I am using the BRS ROX o.8 Aquarium Carbon. The GFO is just whatever my LFS had. Feels like small granules of clay.

What are you guys using for pumps to move water through your reactors? How do you keep GFO in the reactor?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GYG54ZU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B016ABH9EW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Diesel · Jul 29, 2018

200 micron filter backs.

What kind of pump you have on your reactors?

Super Fly · Jul 30, 2018

GFO only needs to tumble gently, i.e. like simmering water, so it doesn't leak into the sump while in use. However they should be rinsed clean prior to use to remove the brown color.

GoVols · Jul 30, 2018

Super Fly said:
GFO only needs to tumble gently, i.e. like simmering water, so it doesn't leak into the sump while in use. However they should be rinsed clean prior to use to remove the brown color.

+1

And pack the ROX. You don't want GAC to tumble.

lapin · Jul 30, 2018

Kal said:
Hello,
Hi and Welcome
The GFO reactor is just... frustrating. The media is so fine that it just goes right through the included sponges and now I have a sump full of brown GFO media.
I think you have too much flow. Like stated above rinse and slow gentle flow will keep it in the reactor.

For carbon I am using the BRS ROX o.8 Aquarium Carbon.
Great stuff. Water just needs to flow thru it. Like stated above, it does not need to tumble.

What are you guys using for pumps to move water through your reactors?
I think those pumps should work. You do not need to fill the reactors more than 1/2 way. Unless you have a phosphate issue you really dont need GFO. Too much GFO will strip out too much po4 and will harm your tank.

Most important is to have fun with your toys.