Carbon in Sump

Seachem is one of the few "formed" carbons that is liquid phase carbon vs vapor phase carbon.

MatrixCarbon

Another one of the "formed" carbons that is excellent is Warner Marine www.WarnerMarine.com - Warner Marine

 

I think I'm switching to SeaChem Matrix. Seems like good stuff.

That chart doesn't rate Chemi-Pure, but I it sounds like SEACHEM may be the best for the dollar.

 

Let me explain why the Black Diamond is used so commonly. It is made of sub-bituminous coal which is much harder than the Lignite carbons. That means it can be used in higher flow or even in a canister filter without breaking apart (called friability in the carbon industry). So while the Lignites are more effective, they are much less user-friendly.

The Matrix is a better carbon but it is also more expensive.

 

So... If I got a phosban reactor.

Half with rowaphos/phosban or whatever good phosphate remove.

The other half... Matrix or Black Diamond?

 

They are both excellent. The matrix will have better flow characteristics though.

 

The problem with Sea chem's carbon is that it is made up of very small beads and you need a fine mesh bag otherwise its a mess to use.

 

can you have a fine mesh bag in a phosban reactor? Or should the media really be exposed?

I may just stick to Marineland if that's the better one to use providing I use it in a phosban reactor.

 

If it's in a phosban reactor, you don't need a media bag.

 

If you use a ferric Oxide in that PO4 reactor better not mix the bed with Carbon.. one will brake the other up and you will have a mess then. I have seen that tried . Also the ferric oxide will clot in the reactor if its not allowed to float properly hence the term/name fluidized bed reactor.

 

Whoa... thanks Tangster.

So, one phosban reactor with just rowaphos or phosban.

The carbon.

Should I get an "in-tank filter (20i or 40i)" or another phosban reactor?

My return pump should be able to adequately power two phosbans and one refugium. However, it's more ball valves, etc. Appx cost ~$50.

If I got one of those in-tank ones and took out all the filters, etc and just put a nice fine media bag with Seachem I should be good to go. Appx cost ~20.

Thanks again for the heads up!