GFO and carbon in the same reactor

five.five-six · #1 09/04/2007, 07:20 PM

is it ok to mix GFO and carbon in a reactor?

bertoni · #2 09/04/2007, 07:24 PM

Many people do that, including me. Just make sure that the GFO isn't being ground up by the water flow.

five.five-six · #3 09/04/2007, 07:43 PM

should the gfo not be moving at all? how full can I fill the reactor?

bertoni · #4 09/04/2007, 08:07 PM

I wouldn't want the GFO moving. The reactor can be filled completely, in my opinion.

kae · #5 09/05/2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
I wouldn't want the GFO moving.

Why?

bertoni · #6 09/05/2007, 01:35 PM

GFO media tend to crumble when ground together, and the particles might be spread into the tank.

TomRep · #7 09/06/2007, 11:42 AM

How about the RowaPhos? Supposedly in their directions, the substance will not hurt any animals. They even tell you to not worry about rinsing it before putting it in the reactor. Is this stuff different than regular GFO?
tom

bertoni · #8 09/06/2007, 01:51 PM

All the GFOs are about the same in this regard.

Waxxiemann · #9 09/06/2007, 07:31 PM

I was under the impression that it was ok to have the GFO tumbling more than if it was run by itself because the carbon will help to prevent it from breaking down? Is this true?

bertoni · #10 09/06/2007, 07:37 PM

I don't see how the presence of carbon would prevent grinding, but it might reduce it somewhat.

pjf · #11 09/07/2007, 01:39 AM

GFO is more fragile than granular activated carbon (GAC). However, there are several methods to keep GFO from turning into dust. Below are a few methods. Do place sponge pads at the top and at the bottom of the reactor.

(1) Mix lots of GAC with a little bit of GFO. You only need 1 to 2 tablespoons of GFO for every 20 gallons of water.

(2) Sandwich a layer of GFO between two layers of GAC. The top layer of GAC will keep the GFO from tumbling. The GAC on the bottom will absorb dissolved organic compounds (DOC) and keep the GFO from being fouled. You may optionally separate the layers with sponge pads.

I use these 2 methods together:

(3) Place the GAC on the bottom and GFO on top separated by a sponge pad. Leave a void above the GFO so you can watch the surface. Tune the flow so the GFO's surface "gently boils" but granules do not fly more than a half-inch high. The gentler flow keeps the GFO from turning into dust. The GAC is optional but will keep the GFO from being fouled by DOC's (so I am told).

(4) Buy a denser, more durable GFO. Warner Marine's PHOSaR HC granules are heavier for the volume occupied than most GFO's.