GFO reactor

[CHI-Mark]

Hello all

So been reading a few posts and thought I would start one. I should be getting my BRS dual reactor tomorrow and as we all do I want to get it running asap. The reason for the reactor is that I got a bit of algae getting out of control. I ordered phosban and rox carbon and with the carbon part I'm ok good with what my concern is with is the phosban. I checked my phosphate levels and I'm at 0. Is there a certain amount of phosban I should start at and then work up or can I just start with the recommendations on the bottle since I'm at 0? Don't want to hurt/lose any of my coral.

Mark

 

[Brew12]

Hello all

So been reading a few posts and thought I would start one. I should be getting my BRS dual reactor tomorrow and as we all do I want to get it running asap. The reason for the reactor is that I got a bit of algae getting out of control. I ordered phosban and rox carbon and with the carbon part I'm ok good with what my concern is with is the phosban. I checked my phosphate levels and I'm at 0. Is there a certain amount of phosban I should start at and then work up or can I just start with the recommendations on the bottle since I'm at 0? Don't want to hurt/lose any of my coral.

Mark

Not sure what your total water volume is, but I wouldn't add more than a 1/2 cup a week. Just be very careful because if you strip too much PO4 from the water it can not only starve your coral but it can lead to Dino's forming, also.

 

[nervousmonkey]

How much algae is in your tank? That typically gives a better idea than testing. If you have a healthy amount of algae, I recommend starting with the about half the normal amount of GFO. If you don't have much algae, then don't add the GFO. You run the risk of causing more harm than good if you drive an already low level of phosphates even lower. I would recommend increasing the testable levels of PO4 before adding much GFO. I took GFO offline actually, and corals look really good. I don't test either, at least past the 7-8 month mark.

 

[CHI-Mark]

I have a 40 cubic and there is a patch about 3 inches by 10 and another smaller one that about 1 x 2

 

[PatW]

The algae test is about the best. If your nitrates are in range and you have problem algae, then you probably have phosphate issues.

I run GFO, granular ferric oxide, which I figure is a generic.

There is a trick for checking if you need to run charcoal. You can get a 5 gallon white food grade bucket from Lowes or Home Depot. Fill it up with tank water. If the water is clear and does not have a yellow or brown tint to it, then you are probably good.