Fluidized Media Chamber

[littlep93056]

I'm thinking of adding a Fluidized Media Chamber like this to run carbon

Do any of you run one If so do you like it & what do you run for flow ?

I'm going to use the larger size one because my total system is 260 gallons & will soon be 300gallons

 

[JayG]

I have the FMC 627 (6" by 24") and plan on running Rowaphos on it. According to Andy at MRC a Mag3 or equivilent should be run for circulation when using Rowaphos but I didn't ask about carbon.

 

[littlep93056]

Thats the big one ,the same as I plan to run

If I remember right there are 2 or 3 members using one for carbon

Heres there write up on it

FMC 618

New Fluidized Media Chamber (FMC) can be used for Carbon, phosphate removing media, or a number of other usages. Allows the media to be suspended for perfect saturation and usage. Allows for a true reverse flow chamber with easy to install unions for both input and output. Also has a media pad at the top and bottom to secure media in the chamber, not your sump!

1/2" Inlet

3/4" Outlet

2 Sizes to choose from

6" x 15" Chamber, 20" total height

6" x 24" Chamber, 27" total height

 

[littlep93056]

What , nobody uses one of these ? ? ?

 

[skatezen]

Here is my carbon reactor I just made. I did a lot of research on carbon. You need a low flow rate of about 65ml/minute or about a gallon an hour for the carbon to be effective. The water needs a long period of contact time. I only use the Black Diamond carbon as it is supposed to be the best. I run it 24/7. My water went from kinda not so clean to crystal clear almost like ozone in 2 days.

It is 2' clear 1" PVC
2 x 90? Elbows 1"x1/2"MPT
2 x 1/2" x 1/4" John Guest Fittings
2 x 1/4" John Guest control valves to adjust flow and take it off line for cleaning.

 

[skatezen]

Forgot to mention it holds 3 cups of carbon. It's pictured with 2 cups. Each cup fills 8"-9" inches in 1" PVC

 

[littlep93056]

Thats almost no flow , how do keep it that slow ?

These units need enough flow to keep the carbon moving but how much is my question

 

[skatezen]

The john guest valves. Trust me I thought it was load of crap too. I will try to find the carbon article. It runs slower than my CA reactor.

 

[littlep93056]

Thanks skatezen , if you can find the carbon article that be great

 

[littlep93056]

With all the carbon group buys in the last 1-2 years ,I'm surprized no one runs it in a reactor

I'll post this on RC too , to see if I can get more input from members there

 

[reefdude]

i have the largest one. I run about 45 ounces in there. I run it off my return pump. I dial it in so the carbon moves around but doesn't go to the top of the sponge. So far it has worked and my water is clear. Just a note that MRC stuff is not the greatest for that price. I bought three things from them and everything I got had a leak. I spent over $1500 dollars on them. Would i go back. Not anymore. Try Barr Aquatics. There stuff I have seen and is made very well.

 

[skatezen]

Thanks skatezen , if you can find the carbon article that be great

I've been looking, but no luck thus far. I know it was a black page with a photo.

Sorry

 

[skatezen]

Also think of your RODI unit...how fast is that water flowing through the carbon blocks, not very.

 

[littlep93056]

Just got off the phone with MRC Looks like low flow is the way to go , just barely moving the carbon

 

[zear0]

how often do you need to change out the carbon?

what is the typical level of effort required to change the carbon?

i'm just trying to gauge the trade-off of maintaining one of these reactors verse just sticking with the ole' bag o' carbon in the sump method.

 

[littlep93056]

Reefdude how often do you change the carbon , I hear about every 3 months

 

[littlep93056]

Picked up the large one tonight from Sea Creatures (N,Prov. RI) he has both sizes in stock The thing is a monster , anyways I will be plumbing in this weekend

So I need more info. , please post your input

 

[Liam]

i use a phosban reactor that is teed into a mag 9 that runs my fuge i adjust it so that the top of the carbon is just tumbling and then slowly close it down until it just settles .I figure its about 200 gph but i bet each application would be different.I change once a month.

 

[Aquaman_68]

Mike, You don't want to mess with too much carbon. A couple days of running that a month should be all you need. Otherwise you have issues with overfeeding or improper skimming / filtering (RO/DI) Stripping the water too fast by use of carbon can throw your aerobic bacteria in your tank out of wack by removing unwanted compounds too quickly. Kind of like when people were using phosban for phosphates & getting rtn at the base of their sps & softies closing up. Removing too quickly is a bad move...trust me!!!

 

[littlep93056]

I'm so confused now, don't know what to do


Scott & Clamm you run a big carbon chambers ,right ?????

And there are some others of you that do

How about some input on it

Greg Hiller how about your feels about it


Thanks Aquaman For your advice