Gac & sps?

[sleeri]

Ok, I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I stopped running GAC about a year ago. I run a 75g mixed reef, but am turning my focus to primarily SPS. Recently, I've been wondering if I should add the GAC back to my system. I wasn't as concerned about water quality back when I stopped using it. My focus was primarily on zoas, so was trying to keep the water a little "dirty." With SPS, I obviously need to boost my water quality. Is the GAC going to make a significant difference?

I currently run GFO & change my water every other weeky (15% change). Have a moderate bioload. I do not carbon dose at the moment.

 

[sleeri]

Any thoughts?

 

[Aquaph8]

I've always ran carbon and feel its absolutely beneficial to an SPS tank. It helps keep the water nice and clear and absorbs harmful compounds.

 

[cdness]

I always run carbon, but it is passive so not in a reactor. I feel it keeps the water clearer and does help the SPS.

On another note I think it helps remove any airborne contaminants as well...

 

[Aquaph8]

I run mine passively as well

 

[sleeri]

Thanks for the feedback. For those running passively, are you just putting a filter sack in a high flow area of your sump?

 

[Dowtish]

I put mine in a media bag, and then place it in my filter sock.

 

[K_red_raider]

On my SPS dominate tank I run mine in a reactor but only for 3 hours a day twice a day. I had turned it off for a while and started noticing a slight hint of yellow to the water along with a slight odor. I think as long as you dont run it 24/7 in a reactor you will be ok and also think passive 24/7 is ok as well.

 

[slojmn]

I run GAC in a reactor on a regular basis. I swap it out every 3-5 weeks. I think it is helpful and I have not seen any issue with my sps running it 24/7. I have run it passively in the past and I felt it helped as well. I just prefer the reactor method. I run the reactor at a pretty slow rate.

 

[MrMitch]

I have BRS ROX.8 in a reactor 24/7 mixed in with GFO. I have a 45G Cube and right now im using maybe 1/4 cup of ROX and 5 or so spoon fulls of GFO.

 

[sleeri]

Thanks all. I think I'll give the passive method a shot in my sump.

 

[sleeri]

I forgot to ask, is the ROX the best option? I have some Lignite.

 

[MrMitch]

Rox is the best.. its also the most efficient. So start off slow and use like 1/2 the amount you would think you would need. Don't want to strip the water too fast.

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[MrMitch]

But if its passive put it in a high flow area. I always think that in order for passive to be effective it has to have a decent amount of water flowing through the filter bag. Other wise just put in in a ziplock lol

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[ritter6788]

I'll be the oddball. I run BRS lignite in a reactor. Rox is too messy in my reactor so I switched to the larger lignite.

 

[MrMitch]

This is true. Rox is messy.

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[Dowtish]

I'll be the oddball. I run BRS lignite in a reactor. Rox is too messy in my reactor so I switched to the larger lignite.

Just made the switch myself.

 

[sleeri]

Good to know. Thanks! I'll probably just start the passive approach using the Lignite I have left. Will see how it goes.