Originally posted by DSkidmore
To be honest, I'm not really sure, but it doesn't look like anyone else is taking a stab at it.
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You brought it up...I was waiting to see your reasoning and numbers...
Actually, "flow volume" is not as important as "using that flow efficiently"
250 gph through your sump is different than 250 gph through a HOB and a different "efficiency factor" than 250 gph through a "fluidized bed"...
Here's a post I did on another thread...
****Carbon works best when placed in a high flow area, and better yet when water is "forced" through it and the granules can be kept "fluidized" and contact made on all surfaces...
Putting it in a bag and leaving it sit on the bottom of the sump is probably the least effective method...
Placing a a bag in a high flow area such as the overflow drain chamber would be a little "better"...
Having it in a separate "chamber" like a canister filter with just the carbon no other media or sponges or filters is a bit more effective...
And a "fluidized bed" chamber would be best...
That said...I run mine in an old canister filter that I had laying around...
I should also mention I do not run carbon 24/7 but rather 24-48 hrs once a month or so when I do WCs or "harvest " macros or if i feel the need to "polish" the water or am concerned about chemical contaminants, alleopathy or other...
****