GFO tumble question

[BeanAnimal]

What does your GFO look like after sitting in a bag for awhile? GFO particles seem to be fragile when I have used it, easily turning to mud.

In principle tumbling, aka, fluidized bed, is the optimum, but like so many other things in this hobby, good enough gets the job done.

What do you see as needing a nice clean experiment? Flow through a column v a media bag sorta thing?

I never looked in the bag. I just threw them away ($1 pantyhose).

Yes, I think a series of tests adding a fixed amount of phosphate to the test systems, one with a fluidized column and one with the same chamber and not enough flow to fluidize. The media bag in direct flow would maybe be a third test. All three would use the same media by dry weight. Measure phosphate reduction over time for each system until reduction stops, or reverses. We get rate and total capacity.

 

[Dan_P]

If you wind up doing anything like this, I can send my data along. I've been using GFO in a bag for a while. Finally started tracking how much I put in, when I put in, how long it was in, etc. vs. the rise and fall of my phosphate...and found that in my case the bag of GFO was essentially doing nothing for me (swapping to a reactor now).

OK thanks. We can compare notes when I generate some data.

 

[Dan_P]

I never looked in the bag. I just threw them away ($1 pantyhose).

Yes I think a series of tests adding a fixed amount of phosphate to the test systems, one with a fluidized column and one with the same chamber and not enough flow to fluidize. The media bag in direct flow would maybe be a third test. All three would use the same media by dry weight. Measure phosphate reduction over time for each system until reduction stops, or reverses. We get rate and total capacity.

I prefer fishnets, but I see how impractical that choice is.

I will think about the experiment design and come back to this group with any questions.

 

[Reef Jedi]

that seems like a lot of GFO. How long do you let it run a day?

Also, as long as there are movements preventing them from clumping up, you are good.

That is a little less than one cup. Currently letting it run constantly. I’m monitoring with Hanna checkers. I do have a trident NP I could use but I don’t want to go through that hassle.

 

[Evil1]

I swear, the slightest touch and it’s either too much or seems too little. But in the video that’s too much?

In my opinion it’s perfect. As long as the gfo particles are not near the top and escaping you are good

 

[Reef Jedi]

In my opinion it’s perfect. As long as the gfo particles are not near the top and escaping you are good

That’s what I remember it being back in the day, I know things change over the years but I’m guessing GFO isn’t really one of them? But looking at new things online it seems like an even slower rate is better?

 

[Reef Jedi]

What does your GFO look like after sitting in a bag for awhile? GFO particles seem to be fragile when I have used it, easily turning to mud.

In principle tumbling, aka, fluidized bed, is the optimum, but like so many other things in this hobby, good enough gets the job done.

What do you see as needing a nice clean experiment? Flow through a column v a media bag sorta thing?

I’d be curious to see this as the general consensus is a reactor is more efficient than a media bag. But after reading some of these responses maybe that is not true if channeling is happening in a reactor?