I'm getting ready to set up a 120 and have some questions about bio-pellets and GFO. From what I've read GFO and Bio-pellets remove nitrates and phosphates. GFO absorbs then disguard vs, bio-pellets remove via the protein skimmer. Is this correct? Can both of these methods get the water too clean and if so do you add or remove as needed? I might just be ahead of myself by thinking of this, but I had a reef several years ago and got so frustrated because of the algae. My plan is to use one of these methods early before its gets out of control then I have to be reactive. Thanks for any feedback.
Bio filteration question
- Thread starter Justjohno
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PatW
New member
GFO absorbs phosphates from the water. The amount you need to run and how often you replace it depends on your phosphate levels and phosphate inputs.
Bio pellets add a carbon source to the system. Bacteria proliferate because of all the free food. In growing, the bacteria absorbs nitrates from the water. The skimmer will remove the bacteria from the water and in the process remove nitrates from your system. This method requires a skimmer that is somewhat over sized for your system because you are asking it to do more than normal.
Another method of reducing phosphates and nitrates is to run macro algae in a refugium. The algae take up the nutrients as they grow. Periodically you harvest part of the algae by removing them. That removal exports the nutrients. Algae scrubbers use the same approach.
The other common method of nutrient removal is a brute force approach and the most fool proof. It is just having a generous water change schedule. It removes nutrients by dilution. It has the other benefit of replacing possibly depleted levels of micro nutrients.
Bio pellets add a carbon source to the system. Bacteria proliferate because of all the free food. In growing, the bacteria absorbs nitrates from the water. The skimmer will remove the bacteria from the water and in the process remove nitrates from your system. This method requires a skimmer that is somewhat over sized for your system because you are asking it to do more than normal.
Another method of reducing phosphates and nitrates is to run macro algae in a refugium. The algae take up the nutrients as they grow. Periodically you harvest part of the algae by removing them. That removal exports the nutrients. Algae scrubbers use the same approach.
The other common method of nutrient removal is a brute force approach and the most fool proof. It is just having a generous water change schedule. It removes nutrients by dilution. It has the other benefit of replacing possibly depleted levels of micro nutrients.
bmackcw
New member
This.
Thanks PAtW, I've should have included that I'm not intending to use a fug, instead want to fill that space with marine pure. I do like the natural approach for removal though. Do you have a fug and does it remove nitrates or do you need to help it with GFO? From what I've read a successful fug requires more space than what is usually given under the DT.
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