Reef Discussion
I run AC all the time. I find that it keeps the water crystal clear and I seem to have a lot less cyano in my sump when running it. Reactor is always better, however I just run it in a mesh bag in my bubble trap. I have tried a few brands and find that the Matrix works best for me.
Kz carbon is the ducks nuts, water clarity is that much better, which I always reckon is a winner as the tank just looks much 'crisper', and after all we all want our tanks to look great right?
Have run it both passively and currently actively. I prefer actively to avoid having to massage it daily. Yes. I'm lazy :p
Have run it both passively and currently actively. I prefer actively to avoid having to massage it daily. Yes. I'm lazy :p
I was complaining in my TJ that my "mille" (SPS) suffered rtn and basically died within 24 hrs. This was my first ever rtn... @vpreef happen to ask if I had recently changed or added carbon. Sure enough a few days before rtn I did change over the carbon and doubled the qty, I just prepared i.e. washed too much (~3.5" in a TLF150 ractor -I did not really think this is a lot in a 4' tank anyway). VPreef also told me he lost a mille due to rtn when he added carbon and it happened again to him. So if you have a SPS mille in your tank beware. Whilst this was going on I did re-order a 5l rowacarb so I still use it however will make sure I only use <2" in a TLF150 reactor. I change it over every 4 weeks however at the end of 4 weeks clarity is no different (flow is just enough to create the carbon suface agitation in the reactor)....... If I had not re ordered carbon I would probably run without it and see if clarrity was effected in say a 2-3 month period which I kind of doubt it would change. I have always used rowacarb.
KZ also say that quantity and flow rate is a major concern when using it in reactors, and that excessive flow with some brands of carbon can cause this..... Doesn't sound like excessive flow or brand with @Rob case :-s
Either way kz say that carbon should be run passively.... But bah. What do they know about reefing? Lol
My flow rate would definitely be on the low side and if you have or seen a TLF150 the diameter is very small, however since this issue I also follow the KZ recomendation of soaking carbon in 90 DegC RO for a 24hr period prior to use (I just put some RO in the mircowaver and boil it then soak the carbon in it). I assume the high temp helps to release something maybe in the carbon. The Rowacarbon is quite clean though and generally one rinse would take out any fines.
So I still use it, always have, however am cautious as I had thought you could of never overdose carbon. As I think about the usage, with rowphos you need such a little flow and it removes PO4 so maybe the flow rate through the carbon (if we primarily use it to remove toxins) does not need to be very much. When setting my flow I have only ever set it so I can just see a few grains just moving on the top surface. I know some people set it up like the top surface is boiling...as they are scared it will solidify, I have never had that problem with rowaphos or rowacarbon even with very low flow rates.
With all this talk of "passive" maybe Ill just get a long sock and hang the carbon in the sump and give it a tumble twice a week just to be on the safe side.
So I still use it, always have, however am cautious as I had thought you could of never overdose carbon. As I think about the usage, with rowphos you need such a little flow and it removes PO4 so maybe the flow rate through the carbon (if we primarily use it to remove toxins) does not need to be very much. When setting my flow I have only ever set it so I can just see a few grains just moving on the top surface. I know some people set it up like the top surface is boiling...as they are scared it will solidify, I have never had that problem with rowaphos or rowacarbon even with very low flow rates.
With all this talk of "passive" maybe Ill just get a long sock and hang the carbon in the sump and give it a tumble twice a week just to be on the safe side.
While we are all sharing our experiences here is mine.
I run carbon for 1 day out of 7.
I found that the spots on the glass extreamly stubborn when i use carbon consistantly. By only ising it 1 day out if 7 the glass stays cleaner for longer and wipes clean... No scrubbing.
i have used brands that say 0 phos aswell but my experiences were all the same.
i also have a newish tank and noticed that coraline rapidly started to grow when only using carbon 1 day a week.
I don't change the carbon I just put it beside tank to dry.
I run carbon for 1 day out of 7.
I found that the spots on the glass extreamly stubborn when i use carbon consistantly. By only ising it 1 day out if 7 the glass stays cleaner for longer and wipes clean... No scrubbing.
i have used brands that say 0 phos aswell but my experiences were all the same.
i also have a newish tank and noticed that coraline rapidly started to grow when only using carbon 1 day a week.
I don't change the carbon I just put it beside tank to dry.
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