GFO reuse

[Peer.Boerner]

I’ve been running GFO in my 43 Gallon (net) AIO for the last 4 weeks. Yesterday my phosphate level was 1.0 so I replaced the GFO with 1 Tablespoon of Rowaphos in a nano reactor. Today phosphate is at 0.06. I’d like to stop the GFO so the phosphate doesn’t go to 0.0. But the GFO is still likely not exhausted. Should I:

1. Just turn off the reactor and leave the GFO in it and turn on again if and when I need to? (If it clumps while sitting I’ll break up before reusing)

2. Save the GFO in a zip lock bag so it stays moist and use again in the future?

3. Throw it out. It’s only 1 tablespoon so stop being cheap.

Appreciate any guidance.

 

[Channas]

I vote 2 but 3 is also valid

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

2.

Storing tank water without aeration (such as inside a stopped reactor) risks it becoming anaerobic and producing hydrogen sulfide.

 

[Peer.Boerner]

Thanks. So I can save in a plastic bag? I’d prefer that because I really would prefer not wasting where possible

 

[TokenReefer]

Yeah I always get a little worried if a reactor stopped and I get to fixing and that stagnant water comes out

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks. So I can save in a plastic bag? I’d prefer that because I really would prefer not wasting where possible

Yes, any container is fine. No need to be air tight, but drying out might close some pores.

 

[Dan_P]

I’ve been running GFO in my 43 Gallon (net) AIO for the last 4 weeks. Yesterday my phosphate level was 1.0 so I replaced the GFO with 1 Tablespoon of Rowaphos in a nano reactor. Today phosphate is at 0.06. I’d like to stop the GFO so the phosphate doesn’t go to 0.0. But the GFO is still likely not exhausted. Should I:

1. Just turn off the reactor and leave the GFO in it and turn on again if and when I need to? (If it clumps while sitting I’ll break up before reusing)

2. Save the GFO in a zip lock bag so it stays moist and use again in the future?

3. Throw it out. It’s only 1 tablespoon so stop being cheap.

Appreciate any guidance.

Probably all round best to pitch used material.

The trouble with turning off the reactor is the possibility of bacteria growth and toxic hydrogen sulfide production.

If throwing it out will absolutely kill you, you might try rinsing it thoroughly in RODI, air drying it and bagging it. That’s what I would do, though I never had the inclination to. Maybe there is a better method.