Does anyone run GFO without a Phosphate (e.g. Phosban or Fluidised) Reactor?

[dirtyreefer]

Does anyone run Rowa or Phosban in a filter sock or some other means other than a reactor?

I don't have a reactor, so I ran it in a filter sock. The instructions say to not rinse it out before use if used in a filter sock, and to be rinsed if used in a reactor. I always rinsed it since there is so much brown rusty stuff in it, and suspect that it wouldn't be good going into the tank.

Anyways, I've found that the couple times I've run Rowa in a filter sock (minimal amount, say 1 tsp for a 100g tank), my fish will hide the next day. That to me is a sign of a change in pH, however I thought that the fish will get used to it and eventually come out. After a couple days the fish still don't come out so I discontinue using it and do some water changes. After the water change, the fish are out again.

I have a stable SPS tank and thought as a precautionary measure I would just run a tiny bit of GFO with carbon, but that doesn't seem to work very well. Am I doing something wrong?

Can anyone comment on their experiences with this, especially the ones that don't run GFO in a reactor? Thanks

 

[theatrus]

Yes, mine is in my sump in a fine media bag. I haven't noticed any Alk or pH swings (using a probe) besides the normal daily shift. I'm using about a half "dose" of PhosBan, replace every 6 weeks or so. I also use a fair chunk of carbon, in the same sump. I haven't had any nuisance algae or cyano problems for a long time.

 

[TAMike97]

I use Phosban in a media bag. I also Run carbon next to it in another bag. I have noticed lower alk and ph. 7dkh and 7.8 ph. No algea or cyano problems here.

 

[dirtyreefer]

Thanks for your replies. Do you notice any difference in the behavior of your fish?

 

[Billybeau1]

I run my GFO in a canister filter sandwiched between two layers of Matrix carbon.

Works great.