Can you disturb your GFO in the reactor

[jonboyb]

Seems like after few weeks the GFO in my TLF reactor tends to form a shell around the edges and only the center tumbles (no matter how hard I hit it with flow). Once it starts to depleat and turn greyish the outer portions are still nice and red. Is it ok to stir it all along and get the most use out of the media (given the price)?

I've tried blasting it during PWC's with full flow and it still tends to develop this outer shell.

 

[jcook54]

I turn the flow on full blast once a week or so. That keeps it from forming clump and caking together. I cut the flow and let things settle down before adjusting it back to where it normally runs.

 

[snowmansnow]

just curious. what brand r u using?

 

[jonboyb]

I ran out of BRS and actually using Phosban recently. And I do blast it once a week full force but then all of a sudden it'll be caked when I go to "flush" it. I just want to make sure it's not something better left undisturbed making it solidify before I go breaking it up manually. Last thing I want to do is release something that could spike nitrates or phosphates.