Got a PhosBan reactor! What can I expect?

[Doug]

I ran both in same reactor. Layer of carbon......gfo.....then more carbon. I believe others here do the same as thats where I got the idea. I ran a slow flow rate through it.

One so called problem with the combination, is the gfo usually last longer than the carbon, thus requires less replacement. I just a small amount of gfo everytime.

Never seen much of a ph drop. As mentioned keep an eye on your alk if using lots of gfo as it can lower the alkalinity.

Should mention, like several others, I just run my carbon and gfo in separate filter bags in the sump or powerfilter if no sump. Found it a pita to change media in the reactors.

[ScubaSteve]

Be careful not to use too much GFO off the bat. I made the mistake of using as much High Capacity GFO as I did regular GFO (missed the whole HC-GFO on the package... oops) and dropped levels too fast. Took out one of my big SPS colonies and damn near took out my centerpiece green milli.

Go Slow!

[bluesox68]

Thanks for the heads up, unfortunately I used the whole container so about 4" and Im not sure how I would take it out? The instructions do say a minimum of 3" so hopefully I'm ok

[Seriak]

You can run both, but put the carbon on top separated by a sponge and leave enough room between the gfo and carbon for the gfo to tumble a bit.

[Bblinks]

I have ran both in the same reactor without any issues. Two main reasons most of us use different reactor is so that first, we can set different flow rate since carbon should be set at a lower flowrate and GFO should have enough flow to so it tumbles. Secondly the exhaust rate on them are both different, some say GFO can last up to 3 month and carbon should be replaced monthly. I change out monthly for both so its always consistent.