Hoping someone has the answer TLF

Im running a TLF 150 reactor for carbon and gfo, the pump is a 357 gph. both filter pads seem to be getting clogged within 5 to 7 days. is there another way to run this so it doesn't clog so fast?
has anyone removed the bottom filter? and maybe added a screen?

 

You can try adding a prefilter to the pump so detritus doesn't make it into the reactor. It is easier to clean a prefilter then having to open the reactor all the time.

 

I think that's too fast IMO and they shouldn't be run together. GFO should be run, just so the surface starts to move a bit. Carbon, should not tumble. For carbon, I run in a BRS reactor, but took out the pads. I instead run it in a media bag. I run GFO in a TFL 150. I think the flow rate is around 100gph though. I haven't had either clog.

 

oh good idea, i will look into that. it does look like gunk in the filter pads not carbon or gfo. its getting annoying since i can't get to the bottom filter without dumping all the media. and than i lose some and have to add more.
i wonder if any one has run these with just a screen for gfo and carbon. and ran it into a mesh bag to catch any carbon dust or gfo that comes out?

 

I'm trying to keep amount of pumps down. my sump area is full i don't have much room left. if i got rid of the bio pellets i could run carbon and gfo separate. maybe i can put the carbon in a bag inside the gfo reactor.

i really don't want to get rid of the bio pellets yet. i believe they are working on lowering nitrates???? or maybe its just the carbon in a reactor that has made that difference? i did both about the same time so i can't tell what ones doing more.

i did test my phosphates and they are raising again. 0.22 I'm not happy with that at all. I'm guessing it has to do with the clogged filter pads in the reactor. since they were at 0.07 and dropping

 

Well, sounds like you need a bigger sump; what's the problem?

The BPs should drop your nitrates and phosphate. If phosphate is rising though, there is probably some bottleneck somewhere. Or something isn't working right.

 

hey m2434...i added 2 new fish and i have been trying to get them to eat. i have been trying all kinds off foods. frozen and even trying pellets reef pearls and another brand of dry foods. i never use dry foods. I'm wandering if that could be playing a part in the phosphates raise and with a clogging reactor.??? who knows?

and you say.... about a bigger sump, i have a 25 gallon under a 35 gallon tank. the area in the cabinet is just 30 by 30 holds skimmer, deep sand bed fug/ rock area ( turned the lights off), uv, 2 reactors ato... and don't get any ideas! no the uv is staying... haha

 

yesterday i turned my skimmer off since all the feeding was making it go nuts. and forgot to turn it back on till today but i can't imagine phosphates would jump like that in one day. even with over feeding dry foods. i didn't test for po4 after i seen the lower reading. i guess i had a false sense of security. with the reactor working so well at the start. uuurrrgghh.