Question about GFO Reactor

[mjuarez7]

Hello I am brand new to Reactors and GFO, my 120 gallon is currently sitting at .14 PO4 based on the Hanna tester I am trying to bring that down to at least 0.2 but not too fast. I am using Rowaphos, using the calculator online it recommended 60g but I am starting with 35g to take it slow, is this too little? Also should I be running the reactor 24/7 or only a couple hours a day? Thanks

 

[rishma]

Hello I am brand new to Reactors and GFO, my 120 gallon is currently sitting at .14 PO4 based on the Hanna tester I am trying to bring that down to at least 0.2 but not too fast. I am using Rowaphos, using the calculator online it recommended 60g but I am starting with 35g to take it slow, is this too little? Also should I be running the reactor 24/7 or only a couple hours a day? Thanks

Not sure I understand 0.14 down to 0.2. Must be a decimal place issue.

Regardless, when I use GFO I start with WAY less than the recommended amount. Usually like 1/4 or 1/3.

Measure phospate at the outlet of the reactor, when inlet and outlet are the same, it’s used up.

Going slow is the key. If you go fast, when you stop the reactor, the phosphate in the tank will rebound as it’s released from the sand and rock surfaces. Using a small amount over a long period of time, changing when exhausted, can produce a smooth long term decline to your target level.

 

[mjuarez7]

Hello I am brand new to Reactors and GFO, my 120 gallon is currently sitting at .14 PO4 based on the Hanna tester I am trying to bring that down to at least 0.2 but not too fast. I am using Rowaphos, using the calculator online it recommended 60g but I am starting with 35g to take it slow, is this too little? Also should I be running the reactor 24/7 or only a couple hours a day? Thanks

Not sure I understand 0.14 down to 0.2. Must be a decimal place issue.

Regardless, when I use GFO I start with WAY less than the recommended amount. Usually like 1/4 or 1/3.

Measure phospate at the outlet of the reactor, when inlet and outlet are the same, it’s used up.

Going slow is the key

Ha yeah I meant .02 and do you run it for a couple hours a day or 24/7 ?

 

[rishma]

Ha yeah I meant .02 and do you run it for a couple hours a day or 24/7 ?

Ooof. I would not target 0.02. That’s far too low in my opinion. I dose to keep mine 0.1+

I would NOT use GFO at 0.14. I think that’s perfect.

It been a long time since I used GFO, but always did small amounts 24/7. Test more frequently in the beginning and you’ll figure out the trend. But to reiterate, I think 0.14 is a good level and I’d be happy with it for my tank.

 

[rishma]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/randy’s-thoughts-on-nutrient-target-ranges.1095199/
I suggest looking at this thread for nutrients level targets

 

[BryanM]

Ha yeah I meant .02 and do you run it for a couple hours a day or 24/7 ?

So more current numbers embraced by many of us here for nitrates and phosphates buck a lot of old trends.

5-50 nitrates, .1-.3 phosphates, are not much to be worried about.

.02 phos = zero, and zero equals issues.

Your .14 number is great, IMO, and I won't be the only one.

 

[exnisstech]

What coral are you keeping that makes you want to keep PO4 so low. One of my tanks runs as high as 0.9+ (tester max is 0.9) when it gets that high I run some rowaphos but I never let it get below 0.3 My acro tank runs 0.1 -0.07

 

[mjuarez7]

What coral are you keeping that makes you want to keep PO4 so low. One of my tanks runs as high as 0.9+ (tester max is 0.9) when it gets that high I run some rowaphos but I never let it get below 0.3 My acro tank runs 0.1 -0.07

It’s a mixed reef but I’ve noticed a lot my torches have dulled in color and recently lost some due to brown jelly

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I too would not be using GFO in this scenario. If you do, start very slow. Dropping too far is way worse than elevated
Phosphate.

 

[exnisstech]

It’s a mixed reef but I’ve noticed a lot my torches have dulled in color and recently lost some due to brown jelly

I may be wrong but I don't think PO4 has anything to do with BJD.
Aa far as color @VintageReefer keeps a lot of torches, many high end pieces and IIRC his PO4 runs 0.3-0.4 and his colors are pretty awesome.

 

[jordanart225]

If your phosphates climb above 20 then id maybe consider using gfo. Also if you do use gfo go slow with it. Thats with anything in this hobby

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If your phosphates climb above 20 then id maybe consider using gfo. Also if you do use gfo go slow with it. Thats with anything in this hobby

20? 20 ppm?

 

[jordanart225]

If your phosphates climb above 20 then id maybe consider using gfo. Also if you do use gfo go slow with it. Thats with anything in this hobby

20? 20 ppm?

Sorry 0.20 po4. Im friends with mike paletta we both keep ours around .05 to .08