Carbon and GFO.

[fishRus]

Can I leave a mesh bag of carbon and or GFO in my sump indefinitely. I have some creatures living on them

 

[Danny McElroy]

I have heard something on an old Red Sea video that it can create some problems if left more than about 60 days, but I don't remember the exact video or the details as to why...

 

[Dan_P]

Can I leave a mesh bag of carbon and or GFO in my sump indefinitely. I have some creatures living on them

I can’t imagine why this would be a problem. The GFO might structurally breakdown over time to a fine powder.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Indefinitely? Like years? Why?

 

[KrisReef]

Indefinitely? Like years? Why?

"Creatures" growing on the bag.

I have left stuff in for a long time but they get nasty, funky, and probably a detritus sink and "nitrate factory."

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is likely ok to keep it until the bag falls apart. lol

That said, any chemical benefit is gone after the initial usage period.