Canister & Carbon Q

[Lucid]

I am currently using my Magnum 350 with the media chamber to run carbon. The problem is I don't think much flow is getting through the carbon. The chamber is pretty big and the carbon level only about an inch or so. So there is a good 4-6" of empty space above to allow water to easily flow to the return pipe.

I don't want to over use carbon by filling the chamber completely (nor pay for it). Can I stuff filter floss on the bottom to raise the carbon up and then more over it to block empty space? Will that allow the water to go through the carbon easier than the floss? Hope that makes sense!

Side thought, I just got a phosban reactor in to run IFO. Can I put a level of phosban in, then a layer of floss, then carbon level? Or would that defeat the flow through principal?

Thanx

[chull]

I used to love the old carbon/floss box filters back in the day but now I rarely use carbon if at all. Imo I'd think about possibly swapping out that carbon for some other more lasting material. Carbon is great in so many things but it tends to be only really usefull for a short period of time before it becomes covered and turns into no more then an obstacle in your filter.

I like the Magnum series but I've never had one with trays. Natural order of things as we all know water will take the path of least resistance. Keep in mind using the Magnum with those pads, you'll have to clean that puppy pretty often if you have a decent bio load in your tank those pads will be clogged before you know it. (I have never ending battle with sediment) Imo I'd go with the standard particle filter insert. It's great at getting those little bits out of your water and reusable and easy to maintain.

I'd say save the phosban for another setup filter. I don't believe the Magnum has the full potential to force the water through it other then around it which does little to nothing.

[Lucid]

Actually the filter floss on the bottom and top worked great. After a day, it was turning brown from sediment and made it easier to flow through the carbon layer. Probably will end up using the magnum with just the micron filter on occasion to polish the water. Always worked great for that and I have 4 micron filters to swap around with.

chull- what are you using as a carbon replacement? or are you just doing more water changes?

[chull]

Oh I bet it is, I loved those old carbon/floss filters as I said before. You can really see the results in a short time.

I put down the magnum and went with a canister filter with LR bits in it and a micron pad or two for debree. I currantly have approx. 75 Lbs of LR in my tank to that is my main source and I offset that with the above canister. I'm only about 9 months into SW and have just added a skimmer. From my years doing FW I will never say carbon is not good for that polishing effect I just didn't go with it for this tank. (75g also) I'm learning as I go after a few different setups. Lost the sump, I'm noise sensative and it drove me nutts everynight. So far I have no complaints with what I'm doing now. Very low bio load, decent amount of rock, 2" sand bed and the skimmer seem to be working for me. Water changes are a must for me just for ease of mind. My water is clear as it ever was. But for you my fellow resident of the common wealth, try some things out and see what you like the best. And please share some of that learning, I try to sponge up all the 75g info I can get my hands on.

[Lucid]

Yeah that is a good idea to run LR rubble in the canister. Where are you located in VA? I am not too far from Hampton if you know where that is.

[chull]

Well I'm right in Hampton, way to close to the AFB.lol So loud but it's sound of employment.