PO4 removal

[neokn]

As above. Need answer to whether the PO4 media in a FR should be stirring.

[neokn]

Anymore answer? Really confused, leh.

There's some many reefers here and ONLY 4 answer. Come on, this type of responses really sucks. I can't even finished counting the no. of reefers here that uses FR with PO4 media with both hands.

Maybe these reefers are equally confused?

[AlfaRomeo]

Maybe if you phrase the question better, more ppl will respond. If you are using an FR, then the media should be 'stirring' in the reactor. Its called a "Fluidized Reactor" rite?

Too slow a flowrate and channels will start forming in the media and there will be less than ideal contact between the water and media.

[neokn]

Care to share knowledge or experience on why the PO4 media should be stirring or it shouldn't be???

For a friend whom have a chemist friend.

He remark that slow flowrate will enable more reaction time for the PO4 media to remove the PO4 effectively.

[williammuk]

I think the media's surface should be seen to be gently moving, waving ...

somewhat like in a fluid motion - thus Fluidised Reactor.

In addition, I will occasionally turn on the valve full blast (for a couple of

seconds) so as to stir up the media and remove any channeling that has

built up over time.

[AlfaRomeo]

Pls see my remark about the consequences of too slow a flowrate.

[neokn]

Maybe if you phrase the question better, more ppl will respond. If you are using an FR, then the media should be 'stirring' in the reactor. Its called a "Fluidized Reactor" rite?

Too slow a flowrate and channels will start forming in the media and there will be less than ideal contact between the water and media.

Thanks Alfa,

Well, that is how much English I can type.

Thanks for the answer.

Another question, should we place the FR with PO4 media before the FR with Active carbon? So if I have a 1L FR, should I place only 3/4 full or 1/2 full?

[williammuk]

Oh, forgot to add ... another reason for "flushing" the media occasionally is

because I observed that there are pods growing within the FR's media.

By blasting the media, I hope that some pods will be forced into the tank as

food for fishes, etc.

[lightningstrike]

My 2 cents,

Why use a FR?

1) it exposes the entire amount of PO4 removal media, e.g. Rowaphos to the water.

2) it prevents the Rowaphos compacting, like it does in an external filter.

3) fluidisation will enhance the life and effecticeness of the PO4 removal media as it allows a larger surface area for reaction time and prevents channels forming in the media.

[neokn]

So the FR should be 3/4 or 1/2 full in order to maximised the effectiveness of the PO4 media in the FR?

[williammuk]

So the FR should be 3/4 or 1/2 full in order to maximised the effectiveness of the PO4 media in the FR?

In my opinion, I think it doesn't matter as long as the pump has enough capacity to

push the water through the media such that the media's surface is seen to be waving.

[neokn]

In my opinion, I think it doesn't matter as long as the pump has enough capacity to

push the water through the media such that the media's surface is seen to be waving.

I noticed that if I turn the pump to full blast only 1/5 of the lower portion of the FR is stirring or "dancing"

[lightningstrike]

I noticed that if I turn the pump to full blast only 1/5 of the lower portion of the FR is stirring or "dancing"

i suspect ur FR is "choked". there shld be a top and bottom filter wool in ur FR. check and clean it. that shld clear up the cloggage.

[williammuk]

i suspect ur FR is "choked". there shld be a top and bottom filter wool in ur FR. check and clean it. that shld clear up the cloggage.

Either that or your pump may not be strong enough.

If that is the case, then either use less media or get a stronger pump.

The problem with less media is that it will exhaust faster and thus, need to replace

more often.

[neokn]

FR is new from Bio-Ocean promotion.

The 2 sponge is in place. Currently I place the FR with the PO4 media after the FR that contains the Active carbon. So I should swap them?

[lightningstrike]

Either that or your pump may not be strong enough.

If that is the case, then either use less media or get a stronger pump.

The problem with less media is that it will exhaust faster and thus, need to replace

more often.

highly unlikely that ur pump is not strong enuff. i am using a 400L/hr pump to feed both my CR and FR. but still there is a distinct possibility.

if u can, try to tee off from ur downflow to sump. u'll save using another pump.

[chercm]

any pic to show how should the flow be in the FR?

[angelfishlover]

any pic to show how should the flow be in the FR?

I think Jervis got put to show how they should be stirring.Forgot what is the link.

[cowgum]

Think your description of stirring is too vague so no one knows how to vote.

'Never over-fluidize the media. Aim for a gentle simmering of the media, not a violent "boiling" effect. Over-fluidization will cause abrasion and the collapse of the media.'

Read from some website...

[nakazoru]

Read it from Dr Randy from RC that PO4 oxide removal is more effective if used in a pressurized environment. He suggest a canister. So my guess FR is not popular when he wrote the article and FR too is pressurised.

For Fluidized bed reactor, logic is to gently agitate the media to maximise the total surface area of the media that comes in contact with the water. Thus efficiency is increase.

Anyway, it too is not recommended to run PO4 removal and carbon 24/7.....