GFO or No GFO?

[masgatigata]

What do you all use to lower phosphates? I have used GFO in the past, but when I went to the LFS to by some more, the guy working there said that it kills coral and not to use it.

I conduct 10% water changes weekly, feed lightly, and siphon detritus each week. I have a deep sand bed and I installed an algae scrubber that has been growing algae like a champ. My phosphates are still high at 1.2 via Hanna checker. So my question is, what do you use to keep phosphates in check?

 

[mguili1947]

I use gfo and so do other no problem,this guy is wrong

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

GFO works with no worries if you start out slowly.
Fast changes with anything can be a problematic.

 

[masgatigata]

Thank you gentlemen for your responses!

 

[DeepSeaBeauti]

I use GFO 24-7 . I do adjust the amount needed from time to time, especially with new additions or any big changes to the system. I've even dosed Vodka while running GFO when I had a spike of PO4. Stuff works great.

I use BRS granular GFO. Mostly because of the cost savings over buying it local. I have yet to try there High capacity GFO

 

[TommyP]

I run GFO in my phosban 150 reactor, It does not kill corlas. 1.2 is pretty high. Don't strip the water too fast either.

 

[masgatigata]

Placed my order with brs. I'm going to start with 2 tablespoons of gfo to make sure I don't strip the water too quickly. Thanks everyone.

 

[Jakef150]

I uses brs GFO rox and it does a good job to keep under .10-.03 in my tank

 

[mguili1947]

Buy the GFO from the club its cheaper and no shipping charge

 

[jpitch]

Vodka dosing. Replaced my GFO. No regrets.

 

[usingthejohn]

Vodka dosing. Replaced my GFO. No regrets.

I thought vodka dosing was mainly for nitrates and little effect on phosphates?

This is what I was told as I'm thinking of dosing Vs pellets in my tank

 

[jpitch]

It reduces both

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php

 

[usingthejohn]

It reduces both

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php

Oh ok. Thanks for the info

 

[jpitch]

my pleasure

 

[masgatigata]

I'm a little nervous dosing vodka as I have a deep sand bed and not the best skimmer. It's a coralife hang on the back because it's the only one that will fit in my sump.

 

[jpitch]

Yeah, I think you made a wise move. My Vertex Alpha is a beast. I was nervous in the beginning as well. I also had a big hiccup when I incorrectly programmed my apex and did a MAJOR overdose and did some major damage. There were some casualties and a mini cycle but all is back to normal.

 

[usingthejohn]

Yeah, I think you made a wise move. My Vertex Alpha is a beast. I was nervous in the beginning as well. I also had a big hiccup when I incorrectly programmed my apex and did a MAJOR overdose and did some major damage. There were some casualties and a mini cycle but all is back to normal.

Is your dosing done via your apex ?

 

[jpitch]

Yup, I dose 2ML via a 1.1ML brs doser. .5ML 4 times a day.

 

[kalgra]

OP what size tank do you have?

 

[masgatigata]

55 gallons with a 20 gallon sump.