Order of Reactors & Contents

I have 2 Phosban Reactors and was wondering a couple of things. What order do I put them?

I am going to have RowaPhos in one and carbon in the other. Which one should go first then second...I am going to daisy chain them.

Also what carbon do I buy - What is the best one and most cost effective...there are like a dozen out there to choose from.

One more question....does anyone recommend anything else to run in these reactors? Should I get a third one in the chain for something else?

Thanks!

 

I believe that you would want to run the phosban followed by the carbon.

As for carbon i just go to my local walmart and get my carbon from there as it is the most cost effective.

 

So any carbon is acceptable basically?

 

I like using Kent's Reef Carbon. I've found that for my filtration, the pellet shape works to get great flow through the media.

 

Unfortunately, it's vapor phase carbon and not liquid phase carbon. As a result, it's not very effective under water because it was never intended to be submerged. (BTW, Jack Kent knew this and sold it anyway.....this is not just something that happened after he sold the company).

If you want a combination of great flow characteristics and efficiency in adsorbtion, look at Seachem.

See the chart on this link. Tech Tips & Medical Reference

 

Be careful saying this. Some carbons at some Walmarts are repackaged Black Diamond which is excellent. Some Walmarts sell carbon that is pretty much worthless for our purposes.

There's a wide variation in carbons. Some do best in a reactor (which has a gentle flow), some do best in a canister filter because they are less friable (fancy word for crumbly), some are best for filter bags in a sump (because they are purposely shaped for proper flow characteristics).

 

not only that.... but not all carbon is created equally. Various different materials with various different manufacturing makes GAC with a vast array of properties to be used in specific uses.

What I believe to be the best out for our use is BRS ROX .8. If that is too much, at least get their Lignite based carbon. I'm a firn believer every reefer should have an account with BRS.

 

Both are excellent carbons. However, they are highly friable meaning do NOT use these in a canister filter or very high flow application. They will grind into a fine dust and turn your water black Vs. making it more clear.

 

Looks like Seachem carbon is the best choice to put in a Phosban Reactor with low flow.

And that should go after the Phosban with RowaPhos right?

How much carbon do I put in the Phosban Reactor? Half way up?

 

A professor i know here at PSU did an analysis on the effectiveness of a few different brands of carbon. His name is Ken Feldman and it was for Advanced Aquarist