Running a reactor with Rox 0.8

[S.Pepper]

I have a Avast Marine Spyglass reactor. There doesn't seem to be much of a way to run this carbon in this reactor without it tumbling. I've had the Rox in the reactor for about a week at the lowest setting I can get without it channeling, but still with a somewhat modest tumble. It looks like it's holding up to me and my tank is clear as daylight. Should I be concerned running this carbon this way? And how long should I run it before changing it out. I've read different ideas and wanted to see if I could get some clarity.

Additionally, I wasn't planning on running carbon full-time, but rather a few times a month for 4 or 5 days. Thx for suggestions.

 

[jerrod]

If the pump can't go to a lower setting and don't want it to tumble you might put sponges or filter floss in the reactor to keep the tumbling minimized while still allowing water to go through. I have mine fed through a manifold at a slow rate continuously and replace it every month sometimes longer depending on how the tank is doing.

 

[S.Pepper]

If the pump can't go to a lower setting and don't want it to tumble you might put sponges or filter floss in the reactor to keep the tumbling minimized while still allowing water to go through. I have mine fed through a manifold at a slow rate continuously and replace it every month sometimes longer depending on how the tank is doing.

thx. I have the small version of the Spyglass reactor from Avast, and the way it's setup it would make that difficult to do. To be honest, i think that's how they set it up to work, but was looking for some support in my thinking. lol

 

[jerrod]

I had to google it I'd never seen that design it looks like that is how it is. I guess the good news is you know with that design that all the media is being contacted. It looks like a brine shrimp hatchery with a pump instead of an airline.

 

[S.Pepper]

I did hear back from Avast and they said:

"Rox 0.8 is harder than normal carbon and is safe to tumble. I recommend letting it tumble gently in the reactor, so it goes not much more than halfway up the chamber, between the white flange and the top. Once the carbon fully hydrates (usually about 24hours) it is fine to take the top screen off. Close the valve or power off the pump to let the carbon sink down into the cone first. When you restart it, all the carbon should remain in the lower portion of the chamber and be good to go for several weeks."

Hope it helps someone who has the same question.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Try some Matrix Carbon from Seachem I like that best so far. I have Aqua Maxx ROW0.8 and I have BRS ROX0.8 they are very similar, kinda like baby mice turds. The Matrix Carbon is very small but more like balls so they should be slightly heavier and not want to float. The ROX can get into your system and be a PITA. That is why I like the Matrix from Seachem.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

S.Pepper how deep do you run your reactor, I just bought one.

 

[S.Pepper]

Try some Matrix Carbon from Seachem I like that best so far. I have Aqua Maxx ROW0.8 and I have BRS ROX0.8 they are very similar, kinda like baby mice turds. The Matrix Carbon is very small but more like balls so they should be slightly heavier and not want to float. The ROX can get into your system and be a PITA. That is why I like the Matrix from Seachem.

I will look into the Matrix from Seachem. Thx. Truthfully, I didn't have any problems with Rox 0.8 floating out of the reactor's cylinder. And it's working great. I thought my water was clear before starting up the carbon, but wow, it crystal clear now. But if I can get something cheaper that works as well, I'm all for it.

S.Pepper how deep do you run your reactor, I just bought one.

I'm running my reactor at 8 inches... my sump's depth.