I have a phosban reactor in which the media is expended. (it isn't tumbling and is black) I thought it was GFO but I'm not positive.Can I recharge the media or just replace it and if so what the best thing to use in this reactor? 220 mixed reef thanks David
If the media is really black its probably GAC (carbon). It's never supposed to tumble. What are you trying to accomplish? GFO/phosban is used to lower your phosphate. GAC is useful to remove some organics (especially toxins related to allopathy between corals). It also "polishes" the water and eliminates any yellowing of the water.
No., it is not jet black. I cant say I have any direct purpose other than wanting to use the system to run at its original effectiveness. It came with the reactor. All my parameters are fine. I might have more glass algae? (green haze) coming up than I would expect. It is more of trying to set up a preventive effect than trying to get something done/ corrected.
What is your phosphate level and how are you checking it? If your nitrates are good and you're still having nusiance algae issues your phosphate is likely elevated regardless of what the test shows
Phosphate is a different nutrient, unrelated to nitrate. Lowering it is what GFO (granular ferric oxide) is for. I would get a test kit for it if you want to keep corals (I know you already have several) and try to keep it below 0.05. If you don't have a nutrient problem then I would use the reactor for GAC (carbon). Not a necessity at all but I like what it does to my water clarity.