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View Full Version : GAC Activated Carbon Change Frequency?


diverdick
10/19/2009, 05:28 PM
Just as the title says, what are the GAC replacement frequency's out there? Also, how much are you using per gallon of water.


Chime in if you have an opinion please.

Regards,

--Rich

Boomer
10/19/2009, 06:12 PM
For most 1/2 cup / 50 gal and change 1 / m

Flipper62
10/19/2009, 09:49 PM
Boomer,

This question was brought up at my LFS last week. Between myself...the LFS & a few customers.

I said....1 cup per 75 gal. & change it out every 3 to 4 weeks. ( I change it out every 2 weeks )....just because.

Most were saying 1 cup per 150 to 200 gal....and only needs to be changed out every 6 to 8 weeks.

I have been doing it my way for a long time & it seems to work.........I'm I way out of the ballpark ?

bertoni
10/19/2009, 10:33 PM
Every 3-4 weeks sounds about right to me. I targeted once a month.

Boomer
10/20/2009, 09:36 AM
I said....1 cup per 75 gal. & change it out every 3 to 4 weeks. ( I change it out every 2 weeks )....just because.

That is fine and 1 cup / 75 gal is not really over kill, if it is LFS GAC. Now if that was ROX that is getting into overkill.

It will last 6- 8 week but has lost allot of its efficiency, will start to go bio and may raise the nitrates. 1 cup / 100 -200 is not enough unless it is ROX, unless you do not care about getting your DOC down and that is the point, it is the amount, 1/3 cup ROX / 50 gal or 1/2 Cup others / 50 gal. If you are not running a reactor then it should be pulled every week and rinsed in RO/DI well.

Ken_wied
10/20/2009, 10:58 AM
With that - I use a Magnum 350 for GAC and Water Polishing only. Am I supposed to be filling that container to the top with the carbon? I would estimate its probably 3-4 cups total. I'm running a 90g tank.

Boomer
10/20/2009, 11:27 AM
It will not hurt anything Ken I did that for +2 decades i.e., 1 liter /40 gal. It is just the amount you are using is overkill and costing you more.

diverdick
10/20/2009, 03:18 PM
Good talk, thank you for all the input. I was close to Boomer's input on my system. I use ~ 100" sq. changed every 2 - 3 weeks on my 350 gallon system through a reactor. Looks like I may be spending more money than I should, but, what the heck. The one problem I do have is calcium building up on the Rox 08. Do any of you have the same problem?

Thanks again!