How much Ferric Oxide do you use in your Reactor?

For those of you using a Phosphate reactor and Ferric Oxide, How much do you put in your reactor at one time? Is there a limit other than the physical size of the reactor? ( Manufactures recommended amount ) Or is the limit based on flow or possible channeling? Are there any tricks or tips that you have? How often do you change your media? Thanks for your time and answers.

AquaC XP Plus Phosphate Reactor - 4 inch Diameter (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Filters > Inline/ Specialty > Phosphate Reactors )

Well I was hoping to post a manufacturers link instread of marine depot but I couldn't find it on their website So I placed 250 ml of Rowaphos in the above reactor which is an Aquac Xp plus. per the marine depot directions.....

Jim

 

I use ROWAPhose in a Red Sea Merlin Fluidize Filter and add about 4 to 5 inches in the bottom. Once you learn your tank you could probably just change the media at a certain date, but until then you should test the water going into the reactor and then test the water coming out. That will tell you if them media is extingushied.

 

Thanks Otty,
I wonder how fast could you deplete the media in a system that has high phosphates?
Do you know of a decent phosphate test kit?

Jim

 

The one I have is a Salifert but it is a color code sheet and I hate them. I use it but have been looking for some others.

 

ive been using the nutrifin po4 test kit for years. easy to use.

 

With the Ferric oxide then you have little chance of it ever leeching back into the water I use the ROWA myself and I use about 1/2 to 2/3 of a cup in a 180 .. Now when I used these old rocks from a totaly messed up system from well water there where silicates and Phosphates like from hell took me almost 6 month and almost a whole 1000mi can of the ROWA I'd run mine in a reactor for 6 weeks and change it After I got them to zero I now use about 1/4 cup and change it at 8 to 10 weeks or when I detect any on my test every 2 or 3 months Like Otty said you'll have to learn it and get a feel for it..

 

Does it use a color chart to tell what the levels are????

 

there are 6 bluish grey colors that are easily distinguished. if my 8 year old son can do it, you can.