TLF setup and question

Finally got around to getting some tubing for my TLF 150 phosphate reactor. Until i get some more cash im just going to run carbon through it. I added a metal hose clamp on each connection so that I will for sure have no leaks. You can see this in the photo, I have rigged a little Aquaclear 20 (125gph) powerhead to it. Any advice on this setup?

I will test it out tonight on my bucket of RO/DI top off water.

If ur wondering, its only placed on an extra empty tank so I can get an idea of the setup.

 

No metal clamps, they rust. Replace with plastic and your good to go! Congrats!

 

Hm, they shouldnt rust since theoretically there will be no water in contact with them, I have a cover for my tank also so there is no splash or anything. The only rust that would occur is from any moisture/evaporation/vapor, bust still, even if there is a minimal amount of rust on them, it wouldn't get into the tank, and if it did, it wouldn't matter much anyways because rust really isn't very detrimental to tanks. At least that's my experience and research.

 

They will rust just from the humidity and true it won't do much if it comes in contact with your water but good luck getting them off in a few months if a hose needs replaced.
I'm not telling you to do anything, just getting you informed on what to expect.

 

Good to know. I really did try to find plastic clamps as I knew this would be better, but it was either these or some cheapo twist metal clamps. I think I will keep an eye on them for a while and if I see some serious rust going on, I will consider replacing them. I appreciate the applies and advice, any other issues with this setup I've done?

I guess that next step is reading the instructions and seeing how high I can put the carbon, I only got a little right now and from what I know if i add too much I will shock my livestock, I'll read some other threads to check it out.

 

is this too much carbon?

 

Also, I have a question, i inserted the carbon shown and started the reactor up and half of it has floated up to beneath the upper dispersion plate and hte other half remains at the bottom. Regardless of flow rate it is staying that way. Is this okay? The carbon itself isnt tumbling and is stationary in these two zones.

 

About a tablespoon per 10 gallons of system water is all you need to use. Change it every two weeks.

The floating carbon is fine.