Any “Top of the line" GAC and GFO free SPS tank?
- Thread starter elblond
- Start date
frankyrivera
FUP&A Member
No gac no gfo. I just run a skimmer and fuge very little water changes about 15 gal every two months or longer
trinity1012
sps addict
i have 90 sps,most still frag so its hard to see...but no GAC or GFO.
i really need to learn the uploading of pics.i change 20g a week
i really need to learn the uploading of pics.i change 20g a week
frankyrivera
FUP&A Member
Not top of the line but 4 month old SPS system with nothing but a skimmer in the sump - no GAC or GFO.
What are those orange corals throughout are they sponges they are cool
frankyrivera
FUP&A Member
That is some sweet orange pavona I've only seen the green ones. Thanks
its funny you say that, i was at a LFS the other day and saw a green one. I had never seen a Green only the Orange before then
Dugless
New member
Whether by water changes, skimming, GFO, or other means, there will need to be some method of unwanted nutrient export in order to achieve a stable and successful SPS reef tank. Aside from alkalinity and calcium, I would wager that phosphate quantitation is the topic we SPS hobbyists focus on most. Unfortunately, everything we put into our tanks is contributing to a rising level of PO4!
It's not impossible to get away without using GAC or GFO, but there must be another plan in place to export PO4 and NO3. It is wishful thinking that a mature aquarium will be able to process these items on it's own. In my opinion these medias are the most consistent and easiest methods to maintain low levels.
It's not impossible to get away without using GAC or GFO, but there must be another plan in place to export PO4 and NO3. It is wishful thinking that a mature aquarium will be able to process these items on it's own. In my opinion these medias are the most consistent and easiest methods to maintain low levels.
GAC and GFO appear to do more harm then good these days....there are countless threads about pale corals, stn at the base, "you need to feed more", "buy more fish", the list goes on....10 years ago these types of threads didn't exist....
I pulled GAC a while ago, but am weening off the GFO.....A strong skimmer and a water change here and there seems sufficient for my system. Let a little algae grow and watch your sps colors darken and improve.
I pulled GAC a while ago, but am weening off the GFO.....A strong skimmer and a water change here and there seems sufficient for my system. Let a little algae grow and watch your sps colors darken and improve.
Dugless
New member
GFO and GAC have been commonly used for years, and definitely much more than 10 years. And, these types of media are easily more of a benefit than a detriment. To argue that they are to blame for poor coral color is imprudent. They are both great tools in the hobby when used correctly.
To grow colorful sps coral, it is essential to control PO4. It might seem great at first to remove GFO for the first few months, but levels will continue to increase and it is only a matter of time before coral color will start to brown. If your tank is measuring near zero PO4, you might see an initial color up as .02-.07ish is optimal. The challenge is using a dialed in amount of media as not to strip the water entirely and keep a stable low range measurement.
Unfortunately, there really isn't a set it and forget it reef aquarium, especially an SPS dominant reef. And while it might seem appealing to remove another cost or piece of maintenance, I think it will be tough to retain color growth and color without a consistent export.
To grow colorful sps coral, it is essential to control PO4. It might seem great at first to remove GFO for the first few months, but levels will continue to increase and it is only a matter of time before coral color will start to brown. If your tank is measuring near zero PO4, you might see an initial color up as .02-.07ish is optimal. The challenge is using a dialed in amount of media as not to strip the water entirely and keep a stable low range measurement.
Unfortunately, there really isn't a set it and forget it reef aquarium, especially an SPS dominant reef. And while it might seem appealing to remove another cost or piece of maintenance, I think it will be tough to retain color growth and color without a consistent export.
I don't recall saying GFO and GAC have only been used within the past 10 years? I do recall saying, that posts associated with the negative effects of GFO and GAC use have been more common in the past 10 years.
Yes, they are great tools, but they are often not always needed.
Please don't label me as imprudent or talk as if I am 100% incorrect. This appears to be common when an individua'ls registration date is less than a year or two old. There are many ways to skin a reef, you're advice is great, but there is no need to be a reef bully. I simply stated that as of recent (past 10 years), I've seen a plethora of threads associated with struggling sps corals due to lack of nutrients, definitely not in excess. GFO and GAC, are commonly to blame.
My experience and many years in the hobby, show that neither GAC nor GFO is necessary to having a successfully sps dominate tank. This previous tank of mine was run without either, however, I hesitate to post pics because I don't feel it is considered "top of the line."
Cheers.
Last edited:
ridetheducati
20 and Over Club
I am interested in hearing how you are going to use the information that fellow hobbyist may provide.
Dugless
New member
I definitely did not intend for my input to come across as bullying. I know it is tough to register such intentions from a written response, but that was not my goal. In my previous post I was not calling you imprudent, please understand this. I do however, think it unfair to draw such a quick and unfounded conclusion between poor coral health and the active use of GAC and GFO.
It's unfortunate that the forum environment can sometimes lead to a competitive comparison of who knows more or has the best of this or that. I do not think that my opinion holds more value than any other. In fact, I encourage everyone to share their experiences and data when applicable. It is in this setting that we can collectively learn and make progress in the hobby.
It's unfortunate that the forum environment can sometimes lead to a competitive comparison of who knows more or has the best of this or that. I do not think that my opinion holds more value than any other. In fact, I encourage everyone to share their experiences and data when applicable. It is in this setting that we can collectively learn and make progress in the hobby.
My apologies for taking your message the wrong way. More importantly, thank you for clarifying your remarks and steering me in the right direction in order to understand your intentions. It is clear we disagree to some extent, but this is to be expected.
