GFO.

[atoll]

Humpty question inbound.

Is GFO all the same no matter what the brand? I don't mean the granules size but exactly the same material?

Different brands suggest different amounts to be used for the same size of aquarium and PO4 level suggesting it differs in quality and ability to absorb phosphates. Its all Granular Ferric Oxide after all so why should one GFO brand differ substantially from another or is it all a matter of advertising spin?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

No.

The binding of phosphate to GFO is a surface event. Different brands may have different surface area per gram for binding.

That said, I would not be sure the different brands are comparing apples to apples.

 

[atoll]

No.

The binding of phosphate to GFO is a surface event. Different brands may have different surface area per gram for binding.

That said, I would not be sure the different brands are comparing apples to apples.

Thanks, So in truth we might be paying a lot more for a pretty fish or coral on the tub compared with an unbranded GFO. I have used both and haven't noticed any difference apart from the price.

 

[BryanM]

Thanks, So in truth we might be paying a lot more for a pretty fish or coral on the tub compared with an unbranded GFO. I have used both and haven't noticed any difference apart from the price.

I have heard from someone I trust that they definitely are not all the same, even though there are sources out there that state they are.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks, So in truth we might be paying a lot more for a pretty fish or coral on the tub compared with an unbranded GFO. I have used both and haven't noticed any difference apart from the price.

That could be, yes.

GFO is made on an industrial scale for removal of arsenic from drinking water. Bayoxide E33 is a major brand. Many hobby companies likely use it.

BAYOXIDE® E 33 HC

lanxess.com

This shows detail tech specs:

https://www.lenntech.com/Data-sheets/Lewatit-Bayoxide-E33-EN-L.pdf

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I read your title and was thinking…”well that’s not nice!”

Ha! Jk of course.

 

[atoll]

I read your title and was thinking…”well that’s not nice!”

Ha! Jk of course.

Whatever could you mean?

 

[exnisstech]

Can't comment on one working better than another but I find rowaphos is much easier to use than the typical orange colored bulk type of GFO. The rowa is kind if moist not powdery and doesn't take nearly as long to rinse clean vs the bulk. This is just my experience. The rowa is a bit more expensive than bulk so it may not be worth the price difference to some but I only run GFO occasionally so I don't mine the extra cost for less mess and less waste.

 

[atoll]

That could be, yes.

GFO is made on an industrial scale for removal of arsenic from drinking water. Bayoxide E33 is a major brand. Many hobby companies likely use it.

BAYOXIDE® E 33 HC

lanxess.com

This shows detail tech specs:

https://www.lenntech.com/Data-sheets/Lewatit-Bayoxide-E33-EN-L.pdf

Thanks, like lots of things in the hobby some may carry reef tax