Carbon / Phosphate Removal

I need opinions. I have two boxes of Fluval media sitting on my shelf collecting dust at the moment. It was a bulk buy I did a year ago when I was stocking for my cichlid tank. Can I use the small bags of carbon and phosphate in my sump temporarily until I have enough $ for a carbon/phos reactor setup?

I figure I can shove them in between my baffles between the skimmer section and the return.

I was also at a new LFS, well new to me, and saw they sell carbon, phosphate and some other pads. they appear to be 1/4" thick and are roughly 12"x12" sheets. Are these useable as a carbon solution in the interim if the Fluval media I have isnt?

Im starting this tank up on a very very very tight budget and I dont have the $ right now to get the necessary reactors.

 

Absolutely, use them up. However, if you are on a budget, don't buy anymore. Just save your money and open an account with Bulk Reef Supply. They by far have the cheapest prices on quality supplements for reefers. I use their carbon, GFO, and two part dosing products. They have products at various price points. I love doing business with them.

 

Yeah I was intending to get the BRS reactors and use their carbon and GFO when I get the $. For now I will use them Fluval bags up! (Rinsed in RO first lol)