GFO vs Carbon Dosing

[wranodj99]

GFO Media Reactor or Carbon Dosing. Which is more effective, safer, cost effective?

 

[mcarroll]

Apples and oranges.

What problem are you trying to solve?

 

[Downbeach]

GFO targets PO4, and may get some silica. Although you may get some impact on PO4 using carbon dosing, i.e. vodka, vinegar, BP's, etc. it is primarily used to reduce NO3.

GFO

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/2/chemistry

Carbon dosing

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index...ar-dosing-methodology-for-the-marine-aquarium
http://www.reefaquarium.com/2012/carbon-dosing-in-laymans-terms/

 

[wranodj99]

I am looking to reduce phosphorus and nitrate. Considering adding a media reactor with gfo in addition to vinegar dosing. Sounds like they can coexist.

 

[scfurse77]

I use both, NOPOX on a doser and ROWA in a reactor. Works great.

 

[Bpb]

+1 those two products/philosophies tackle different problems. There is a hair of overlap but generally their primary functions are completely different. One aims to reduce nitrogenous compounds one will reduce phosphate

 

[Lovemycj7]

i use biopellets and GFO. works great