| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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06-08-2007, 05:38 PM
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#1
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Shark
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,183
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phosphate reactor?
I'm thinking of adding one in my sump. I have about a 5x5 space for something, so I'm thinking getting one and running phosphate and carbon, a few days a month (separately of course). Which ones and what media do you guys recommend? Or is there something better I could do with this space?
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06-08-2007, 05:40 PM
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#2
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Marietta GA
Posts: 842
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I find RowaPhos the best phosphate media.
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06-08-2007, 05:43 PM
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#3
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Talkingreef Live Co-Host
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: The Frag Farm
Posts: 760
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i run a DIY phosban reactor. and of course ... i run phosban in it. lol
__________________
 Bobby
Tank Size(s): 125gal. SPS reef, 55gal. softy reef, and 116 gallon frag system.
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06-08-2007, 05:50 PM
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#4
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Shark
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,183
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What about the stuff available on www.twopartsolution.com ? They seem to generally provide high quality generic brand products. I was thinking of them for phosphate media and active carbon.
Also, do you guys run yours 24/7 or periodically? I was thinking of just doing phosphate and carbon in the reactor 3 days a month each (carbon followed by phosphate). |
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06-08-2007, 05:58 PM
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#5
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Talkingreef Live Co-Host
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: The Frag Farm
Posts: 760
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mine runs 24/7. all i did is this ...
drill some small holes into the bottom of a large Gatorade bottle, stuff the foot of some pantyhose into the bottle, drill a hole the same size as the tubing you will be using into the cap of the bottle, slide the tubing into the hole, superglue or silicone the tubing in place, fill the panyhose (while in the bottle, won't fit the other way), and hook your pump up to the tubing. voila ... DIY phosphate reactor.
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Bobby
Tank Size(s): 125gal. SPS reef, 55gal. softy reef, and 116 gallon frag system.
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06-08-2007, 07:08 PM
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#6
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Shark
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,183
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Pretty cool...I'm thinking with phosphate the main cost is the media right? Time is scarce for me now, so I'll probably bite the bullet and spend $40 on one.
Anyone have thoughts on running full time vs. periodically?
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06-08-2007, 07:11 PM
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#7
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Big Fishy
Join Date: May 2007
Location: nashville
Posts: 948
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what are the benefits to using a phosban reactor.
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06-08-2007, 07:22 PM
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#8
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Big Fishy
Join Date: May 2007
Location: nashville
Posts: 948
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is that DIY reactor effective. and can u run it all the time what kinda pump did you use with it?
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06-08-2007, 07:28 PM
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#9
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Talkingreef Live Co-Host
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: The Frag Farm
Posts: 760
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before adding it i had small traces of PO4 after implementing in to the system, there were no PO4 readings on my test kit, and there was no noticable algae in the tank. i have to add that i also added Cheatomorphia just after the reactor. could have been one or the other or a combination so i will let you guys draw your own conclusions from that statement.
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Bobby
Tank Size(s): 125gal. SPS reef, 55gal. softy reef, and 116 gallon frag system.
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06-08-2007, 07:32 PM
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#10
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Talkingreef Live Co-Host
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: The Frag Farm
Posts: 760
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tellycoleman
what are the benefits to using a phosban reactor.
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the media in a phosban reactor removes PO4 (phosphates) from the water. no phosphates = no algae, because algae needs phosphates and light to survive.
__________________
Bobby
Tank Size(s): 125gal. SPS reef, 55gal. softy reef, and 116 gallon frag system.
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06-09-2007, 12:42 AM
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#11
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Shark
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 3,170
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I use to run Phosban but my corals didnt like it much...now I do weekly wc's and no phosban and everything is great....
__________________
Joe Henderson
210 aga, 24 gallon nano(built In) 60 gallon refugium with sump 
& Now 75 Reef at work
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06-09-2007, 12:59 AM
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#12
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 136
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Check into the Kent Marine Phosphate Sponge. Its a fast reacting pyosphate removal media thats works great in my reactor. Can only use for 2 days I think. Then you take out, and either bake to rejuvanant, or throw out. I throw out used portions. Make sure to rinse well first, then add the approiate amount to the reactor.
Try to find a carbon that sinks. im using black diamond but some of it floats to the top of the reactor. probably still works ok I guess.
3 days? I ran my carbon a week or so at least. I think a diatom filter I use does the same thing carbon does, but in about 3 hours....
Salty |
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06-09-2007, 01:17 AM
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#13
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moddin aint easy
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: newnan, ga
Posts: 5,697
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ive read about people using phos media's "shocking" their tanks, might be a good idea to start slow, and work up to a large amount, dont just fill the reactor up and slam a ton of flow through it. do some more research because i could easily be wrong!
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ANDY
You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing. Which is ironic, because old people are hilarious.
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06-09-2007, 01:19 AM
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#14
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Talkingreef Live Co-Host
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: The Frag Farm
Posts: 760
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Andy, that signature rocks !! lol
__________________
Bobby
Tank Size(s): 125gal. SPS reef, 55gal. softy reef, and 116 gallon frag system.
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06-09-2007, 06:24 PM
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#15
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 136
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yeah for a phosban reactor is like only 2 cups or something, no more than half full at any time with any media....I run some media than check parameters and decide to do again or not.
salty
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