Reactor clogged?

So about a month ago I bought a BRS GFO reactor. It was set up about 3 weeks ago. I am running their ROX GAC and GFO in the same reactor with a maxijet 1200. I have the valve all the way open, but the GFO just isn't tumbling. The reactor is at the same level as the pump. The sponges seem like they could be clogged with the carbon. Here is the order from bottom to top: sponge, GAC, sponge, GFO, sponge. Is it time to change the media or something?

This is my first time running any reactor. Does anyone know what the problem is? And a quick solution? I have a new 100 micron filter pad on hand, maybe there is something I can whip up with that?

 

how much media is in it? is it full? is there room to tumble? and it is very possible the sponges are clogged

 

Was it tumbling at first? It might just be time to change the media in it after 3 weeks. What kind of GFO did you get?

Maybe when you change it out, don't put a sponge at the bottom under the GFO, I have mine sitting right at the bottom of the container

 

i just got the dual reactors so i dont know how different it works, but the first chamber the water comes from the bottom up. So maybe doing it like this bottom to top: GFO, a gap to tumble, a sponge, GAC, another sponge.

 

I had problems with the sponges in the BRS reactor. They seemed to turn into calcium carbonate rocks LOL. I ended up removing them and run GAC in the BRS, but I now put it in a filter bag. For GFO I got a TLF150, it just seems to tumble GFO more efficiently.


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It is just the regular BRS granular GFO. Is it okay to have the GFO below the GAC?

Plenty of room to tumble. I used half the recommended dose, about 5 tbsp's for about 40 gallons. I guess it may be time to change it..

Does it clump when its time to change it or something?

 

from what I understand if its not tumbling it will clump. I know the water is supposed to hit the GFO before the carbon because it needs more flow.

Check out this video at about 1:30

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwfuo7OIosQ&feature=player_embedded#!

 

Okay so with exams then thanksgiving I got a little side tracked... I am now back at school and about to change out this media. I will be putting the gfo on the bottom. So this order from bottom up: gfo, sponge, gac, sponge.

Should I cut some 100 micron filter pads to throw in there as well just as a precaution? So this order from bottom to top: GFO, sponge, 100 micron filter pad, GAC, 100 micron filter pad, sponge. Just to prevent carbon from going in either direction? Seems reasonable right? Shouldn't block much flow either..

 

And I thought the GAC needed more flow, it just shouldn't tumble cause its softer..

 

I think the GAC benefits from longer contact time with the water (lower flow) and you're right it shouldn't tumble like the GFO should