IM MiniMax Media Reactor Dual Media Question

[neowind712]

I have seen some people putting both Carbon and GFO in the MiniMax and separating them with the sponges that come with them. Can anyone take a picture or explain how this is accomplished? I was thinking maybe GFO on bottom with one sponge under it and then putting the carbon up top compressed together with sponges so they don't move around. But I have also heard of the GFO leaking out of the MiniMax so should you use two sponges for this? Could I cut in the same shape a carbon filter mat to accomplish this? Any help would be appreciated as I got my MiniMax yesterday.

[tsouth]

Note that GFO and Carbon exhaust at different rates, one sooner than the other. Whichever one depletes faster, I would recommend putting it on the top so that you can pour and replace. Perhaps 2 for every 1 eg. replace the gfo in two months, while replacing carbon every one month.

 

From bottom to top (lid): Sponge>GFO>Sponge>Carbon>Sponge

[ManGups]

I mix them up and use small amounts and replace everything at 2 weeks intervals.

 

BTW -another question - I get some broken down GFO particles in the return chamber and it would also show up in the display. It is not very noticeable but I can see a few here and there on the sand bed. Anyone has the same problem ? or knows how to prevent this?

[jdog]

IM also sells replacement sponges, so you could configure differently if you wanted.

[Mariaface]

The replacement sponges are pretty inexpensive (though still pricey for being sponges). I use Seachem MatrixCarbon and Phosguard.

 

Past the two/three week mark, bacterial film kind of renders the product useless anyway. I only use about a half tbsp of carbon, and then 1/4 tsp of phosguard (it's crazy strong). At about the two week mark, I replace all of it. If I see algae growing any sooner than that, I replace them - it probably means I overfed and the media's exhausted anyway, since I use so little at a time.

[Matteo]

the question is do you "need" gfo?

[Balix]

I have two minimax reactor. They are sitting dry for now. I find it just easier to remove carbon and phosguard from basket. A lot of stuff builds up in my reactor

[HarryPotter]

I got 4 extra sponges for the IM reactor from BRS. Mine works great, I prefer the Seachem Pelletier activated carbon.

[metrokat]

I mix both carbon and GFO. I layer it in the canister. And it's not allowed to tumble.

In fact, IM just posted my video on their facebook page.