Two Fishes Reactors

[USCG CWO]

Soley for my eddification, how often are you or should you be changing the carbon and/or Phosban material in your Two Fishes Reactors?

Thanks

Shane

[andy]

Carbon gets exhausted very quickly, losing most of it's effectiveness after a week or so. GFO typically lasts longer, a month or two. Most people don't change out their carbon that often, I know I don't, but we really should if we want peak performance.

[CCR]

Carbon gets exhausted very quickly, losing most of it's effectiveness after a week or so. GFO typically lasts longer, a month or two. Most people don't change out their carbon that often, I know I don't, but we really should if we want peak performance.

YUP YUP.... CHECK YOUR PHOS LEVELS

[USCG CWO]

Thanks guys. I have been running the carbon about two weeks now. I'll be changing that this weekend.

[andy]

This article on carbon use is a good read. Be sure to follow the link at the bottom of the page for Part 2:

http://www.pets-warehouse.com/carbon.htm

[JasonH]

Wow - great article, thanks for posting. So, Calgon and Super-Activated seem to be among the most effective and least expensive.

[USCG CWO]

That's how I read it. I also read that I need to slow way down the rate at which I am passing water through my reactor, and that I only need to use it every so often. Great news for my wallet.

[JasonH]

Yeah, definately points toward using a two fishes type reactor rather than just tossing a bag in the sump.

I poked around a little on-line and i can't find a source for Calgon carbon. Seems to be more industrial usage.

The bulk carbon available from Bulk Reef Supply seems to be the expensive/low effective variety...

[USCG CWO]

Jason the variety by Marineland didn't seem to do to bad on the test. That should be readily available huh?

[JasonH]

Yeah, that one seems to be the sweet spot between effectiveness, cost, and availability. I've bought that in the past. I can't even remember what I've got now.

Would be nice to find a bulk size (gallon or two), though.

[USCG CWO]

Agreed. I will have to scour the net looking for 1 gallon tubs of Marineland bituminous carbon.

[Algae]

I change/rotate my carbon every week. I have my carbon in 3 separate nylon bags (gal. paint strainers). I mark with a Sharpie each as A,B, and C. I have my calendar marked as A,B,& C, each week so I know which bag is due for a change. I put the carbon into a dry bag marked the same as the one I pulled out and I am done. The bags are fastened with a reusable zip tie (the key). These I found at Harbor Freight and are a godsend for this proceedure.

[Aquaticus]

One last thing to think about when using carbon is, does it release phosphates? Many fresh water varieties will release phosphate. Make sure whatever brand you choose specifically says, "Does not release phosphate" or "Phosphate free."