GFO or phosballs bio pellets

[ptr13]

Any experiences,please share,which media is better in removing nitrates and PO4?

 

[bertoni]

The Phosballs seem to be a biodegradable plastic, and act as a form of carbon dosing. GFO products adsorb phosphate directly. If the target is just phosphate, I'd likely try the GFO, a small amount at first, to see whether that solves the issue at hand. Carbon dosing can do more, but it seems to be a bit more risky.

What problems are you trying to solve?

 

[ptr13]

PO4 bertoni,just getting tired of clogged GFO reactors,any ideas on mods on the BRS GFO reactors.

 

[bertoni]

I don't know anything about modifying the BRS reactors. People report problems with the pellets clumping up, too, but I'm not sure how much it affects the phosphate reduction.

 

[Lynnmw1208]

PO4 bertoni,just getting tired of clogged GFO reactors,any ideas on mods on the BRS GFO reactors.

They sell a different insert for the bio pellets if you wanted to change it out. I was looking into possibly doing the same thing. I am on the fence with GFO as I can't tell if it is the direct cause for RTN in my one sps frag.

 

[tmz]

Haven't heard of any mods to brs reactors for gfo or pellet applications.

GFO won't reduce NO3 but does adsorb inorganic phopshate well.

Pellets and other forms organic carbon dosing reduce NO3 and PO4.

Reactors may clog from bacterial mulm and/or calcium carbonate precipitation. Personally I prefer the tlf reactors for gfo,mostly because I can see into them easily and monitor flow and tumble.

 

[Lynnmw1208]

This is what I'm talking about. The cartridge can be put in the BRS reactor.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/carbon-and-gfo/biopellets/10-refillable-bio-pellet-cartridge-for-use-with-the-brs-bio-pellet-reactor.html

 

[tmz]

Ok, provides a little more flow and no sponge for bacteria to clog.

GFO won't cause rtn ,ime. Rapid drops in PO4 might contribute but so might excess organic carbon .
When using either a slow start with incremental increases is prudent,imo. Personally, I've used gfo for years along with vodka and vinegar dosing for the last 2 yrs..

 

[ptr13]

lynnmw,thanks for the cartridge referral,will look it up. I am not sure if GFO has anything to do with rtn,possibly too much PO4 maybe the source. I notice that if my GFO is not clogged,meaning the reactor,my sps do well with growth spurts.