Media Channeling in a reactor... Suggestions?

[Chris_A]

So I got a Poly-reactor made by ViaAqua (Commodity Axis) a little while back. Been running it with GAC just to test it out and was fairly happy with it. While the pump is wide open it would churn up the GAC nicely. I switched it over onto my reef today with GFO instead but controling the flow low enough so it doesn't grind the media seems to cause it to channel. Even stuck a level on it to make sure it was level (wasn't very far out to begin with) and that made no difference.

Unless someone has a suggestion I might have to pull it. In the last 20 minutes my tank has gone from crystal clear to a nasty brown. I did rinse the media in the reactor VERY well, so I'm thinking the new "silt" is because the channeled media is grinding. So far the corals and clam don't appear to be too bothered but I am concerned that the silt is blocking light. LOL, I pay good money to run a HQI .

So yeah... Thoughts?

Chris

 

[Chris_A]

Alright so I decided to leave it be yesterday. I got up this morning and the tank was even worse plus the corals were not open like normal. SOooo I tossed on my Magnum 350 with the polishing filter (no diatom powder) and now the tank is crystal again.

So far as the reactor and GFO, the channeled parts apear to be moving around now so no single spot is constantly moving. I'm thinking I'll leave it be and try again without the magnum tonight. I'm also thinking that when I do replace the GFO it'll be with this instead: One pound (453 Grams) Granular Ferric Oxide PELLETS Bulk Reef Supply
Or this: 1 pound (453 Grams) Granular Ferric Oxide High Capacity Bulk Reef Supply

BTW, if your reading this and are interested in what GFO is or does (or even just want more info if you already know), there is a really good video on both those pages (same vid)

Chris