Gfo reactor not outputting 0ppm

[slythy]

I have the little brs reactor on my ~300g system that i fill with rowaphos. I know it gets depleated quickly with my higher phosphates 0.50. I refilled it an hour ago and just tested the reactor output and its 0.32. I cant imagine its already depleted right? Any ideas?!

 

[Subsea]

Not familiar with Rowpas. However, if you start with .5ppm of phosphate in water and the discharge of Rowas filter is .3ppm of phosphate that indicates that phosphate is being removed.

Key Features and Usage:

• Performance: RowaPhos can bind large quantities of phosphate and is ideal for controlling nuisance algae and aiding hard coral growth.
• Lifespan:
  The duration depends on the initial phosphate concentration; however, in established tanks with regular monitoring, it can last for several months
  . It should be replaced when phosphate levels begin to rise again
  .
• • Application: It can be used in a media bag (high-flow area) or, for best results, a fluidizing reactor.
  • Usage Tips: Do not rinse the media before use, as it can reduce effectiveness. It is generally recommended to start with small amounts to avoid rapid drops in phosphate levels, which can shock corals.

Dosage Guidelines:

• 100 g/100 mL will remove
  
  
  
  3ppm
  of phosphate from 100 US gallons of saltwater.

PS. How many grams did you use. Use the above to approximate dosage required.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I have the little brs reactor on my ~300g system that i fill with rowaphos. I know it gets depleated quickly with my higher phosphates 0.50. I refilled it an hour ago and just tested the reactor output and its 0.32. I cant imagine its already depleted right? Any ideas?!

It's not depleted if it is lower than the tank value. It may be partly depleted, or water may be flowing through fast enough that not all of it binds, or water is channelling through it. None of those possibilities require a change until the output matches the tank.

 

[slythy]

It's not depleted if it is lower than the tank value. It may be partly depleted, or water may be flowing through fast enough that not all of it binds, or water is channelling through it. None of those possibilities require a change until the output matches the tank.

thats what I needed to know. I slowed the flow down quite a bit. I just fill the little container up, probably 7 tbs or so and normally have it look like a light boil on top.

I can see a big drop day 1 on my trident NP after changing media, but it flat lines pretty close after. I assume with the high phosphates its used up pretty quickly.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I can see a big drop day 1 on my trident NP after changing media, but it flat lines pretty close after. I assume with the high phosphates its used up pretty quickly.

Yes, depletion would be fast at 0.5 ppm.

 

[slythy]

Yes, depletion would be fast at 0.5 ppm.

What is your feeling on dosing LC? I just get nervous with my 10 or so tangs. I can dose directly into my skimmer at lower rates. I have a feeling my rocks are so full of phos that im going to spend $1000 on GFO before its managed again.

 

[backbayreef]

When you say LC -- are you talking about pool-grade LC or heavily diluted reef products like BW Phosphat-E, PhosphateRx, etc?

For reference, I have 15 tangs, 9 angels, and other fish -- been using PhosphateRx for a decade and Phosphat-E on a doser for ~18mos. I use these products across 3 tanks and no issues for me -- ymmv.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What is your feeling on dosing LC? I just get nervous with my 10 or so tangs. I can dose directly into my skimmer at lower rates. I have a feeling my rocks are so full of phos that im going to spend $1000 on GFO before its managed again.

I would be nervous too. It's something that concerns me, even if the effect is uncommon and not clearly explained why. I personally would not use LC at 0.5 ppm.

 

[slythy]

When you say LC -- are you talking about pool-grade LC or heavily diluted reef products like BW Phosphat-E, PhosphateRx, etc?

For reference, I have 15 tangs, 9 angels, and other fish -- been using PhosphateRx for a decade and Phosphat-E on a doser for ~18mos. I use these products across 3 tanks and no issues for me -- ymmv.

I would be using the BW phosphat-E more than likely. I have plenty of dosing heads open. How are you dosing? Filter sock or skimmer? I have thought about dosing it into the skimmer but still nervous. I would dilute it quite a bit.

I would be nervous too. It's something that concerns me, even if the effect is uncommon and not clearly explained why. I personally would not use LC at 0.5 ppm.

Yea my issue is my rocks are going to leach forever but you are right its probably not worth the risk. I just notice some of my polyp extension is not great anymore and I have been battling phos for a while. Figured LC would be the "quicker" and cheaper fix.

 

[exnisstech]

Does the tank level off and run at 0.5 or does it continue to climb. I have a tank that runs high but doesn't continue to climb so I just let it run where it settles.

 

[slythy]

Does the tank level off and run at 0.5 or does it continue to climb. I have a tank that runs high but doesn't continue to climb so I just let it run where it settles.

It keeps rising. I have some very old live rock in there that i think will leach forever lol.

 

[backbayreef]

I would be using the BW phosphat-E more than likely. I have plenty of dosing heads open. How are you dosing? Filter sock or skimmer? I have thought about dosing it into the skimmer but still nervous. I would dilute it quite a bit.

I was dosing it to the fleece roller, before the skimmer chamber. The red 1/4” tubing was for BW PhosphatE.

Currently I’m at 0.03ppm so dosing NeoPhos to bring PO4 back up.