How much gfo in reactor for a 12g nano

[glb]

I just got the TLF phosban 150 reactor for my nano and want to make sure I know what I'm doing before setting it up. I know you're supposed to start with less gfo. The directions say 1g/gallon and I have probably 9-10g taking into acct displacement by live rock. I have a sensitive scale to measure it. Should I start with half of that amount? Also, with such a small amount I'm assuming that the water flow should be kept pretty low so it won't tumble out of control. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Half that amount sounds like a good starting point.

The flow need not be especially low due to the amount if GFO, but low since the tank volume is low is good so things do not drop too fast.

 

[glb]

Half that amount sounds like a good starting point.

The flow need not be especially low due to the amount if GFO, but low since the tank volume is low is good so things do not drop too fast.

Thanks. The LFS said to keep the gfo in the media bag but the instructions say not to. What do you recommend?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I've not used a phosban reactor, but in a BRS reactor I do not use a media bag and don't generally recommend them in GFO reactors.

 

[glb]

I've not used a phosban reactor, but in a BRS reactor I do not use a media bag and don't generally recommend them in GFO reactors.

I didn't think so. I added 5g (1/2 the suggested amount), which was less than one tablespoon! You can barely see it in the reactor but what little is there is moving around. Thanks so much for all your help. I really appreciate it!!!!

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

I had a 7.5g tank and only had a 1 tablespoon of gfo in a media bag sitting in a aqua clear filter and it did wonderful. I'm about to do it with the 12g I've got now when I do a water change. BRS has a gfo calculator that I followed and for 10g use 2 tablespoons.

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

It's better to use less and the next time you change it add a lil bit more until you get your PO4 down.

 

[glb]

It's better to use less and the next time you change it add a lil bit more until you get your PO4 down.

Yes that's what I'm told so I used half. Problem is it's all sitting in the bottom sponge there's so little of it. If I tap the bottom of the reactor it floats up a little, but then it settles back in the sponge. Is this a problem?

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

Yes that's what I'm told so I used half. Problem is it's all sitting in the bottom sponge there's so little of it. If I tap the bottom of the reactor it floats up a little, but then it settles back in the sponge. Is this a problem?

Try giving it a lil more flow. It should have a bit of a tumble.

 

[glb]

Try giving it a lil more flow. It should have a bit of a tumble.

I have it on as high as it will go. I can tell the water's moving. Maybe it's because I used so little. Is this a problem?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I have it on as high as it will go. I can tell the water's moving. Maybe it's because I used so little. Is this a problem?

I doubt it is a problem with that tiny amount.

 

[glb]

I doubt it is a problem with that tiny amount.

I know, right??? I have to remind myself that this reactor is rated up to 150g. I'm going to test the water now and report back.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

:thumb:

Good luck!

 

[glb]

Temp 78
pH: 7.7
Phosphates: 0.0. yeah baby!
NO3: 4ppm
Mg: 1380ppm
Ca: 400ppm
SG: 1.023
Alk: 166ppm

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

Next time I would add a lil less so you don't starve your coral. They do need a lil PO4 and nitrates. But looks like it's work.

 

[glb]

Next time I would add a lil less so you don't starve your coral. They do need a lil PO4 and nitrates. But looks like it's work.

Ok. There's still algae in the tank so I know there's some po4 in there. I only added 6g, which was less than a tbsp!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Sounds good.

 

[glb]

Does the phosban affect Alk or Ca?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Not very much.

GFO can cause some localized precipitation of calcium carbonate on it or downstream from it, which increases apparent demand if it is happening.

 

[glb]

Not very much.

GFO can cause some localized precipitation of calcium carbonate on it or downstream from it, which increases apparent demand if it is happening.

That makes sense. My Alk was lower. So was my calcium.