phosban reactor

Discussion in 'Beginning Reefers' started by Bauxitehog, Oct 30, 2015.

  1. Bauxitehog

    Bauxitehog Activities Director Staff Member

    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
     
  2. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    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.
     
  3. Bauxitehog

    Bauxitehog Activities Director Staff Member

    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.
     
  4. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    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
     
  5. Bauxitehog

    Bauxitehog Activities Director Staff Member

    Nitrate is 0. That's the only phosphate test parameter I'm testing for.
     
  6. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    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.
     

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