GFO use with delicate SPS

[jlinzmaier]

I've previously used other means of po4 management other than GFO. It hasn't been great management and I'd like to get my po4 lower than what it has been running (currently 0.04-0.06ppm).

I've stayed away from using GFO for fear of it's aggressive po4 stripping capability. I've heard many comments of GFO being too aggressive for delicate SPS. My plan is to use a very small amount of GFO in a fluidized reactor running at a very slow rate.

From the SPS expert prespective, what are your opinions on using GFO in delicate SPS systems??

What are your thoughts on the use of the bulk reef supply GFO? I'm curious about the high capacity GFO? I'm worried the high capacity GFO may be very aggressive and a bit of overkill, but I'd love to know if anyone else runs it in a delicate SPS system. I was considering the pellets since they have less dust than the granular GFO and wouldn't be overly aggressive in the nurtient reduction like the high capacity might be.

Just looking for opinions from the SPS experts.

Thanks.

Jeremy

 

[njfish77]

Im currently trying to run some GFO also to help with phosphates. Im going to buy the TLF phosban reactor, is it any good? Ill probably run rowaphos or something from BRS.

 

[phurst]

I use the granular BRS GFO. I haven't noticed it being any better or worse than Phosban or Rowa, it's just cheaper. I think your "start with a small amount" approach is probably a wise one. Since your PO4 is already pretty low, I don't think the rapid stripping of nutrients is going to be a concern, but an alk drop might be. I've never had that particular problem, but some people have reported alk drops when starting GFO. I run 150g at a time in a TLF reactor and had no negative impact at all.

 

[Saltfun2003]

I always run it just in case. 1 cup of BRS granular changed every month. Never had problem with phosphates just run it just in case. 300g total water

 

[tate1]

I've always ran ours with a TLF reactor at a slow rate without any issues.

 

[jlinzmaier]

Great.

I've run GFO before, but that was when I really had excessive nutrients. Since I've got the nutrients under much better management I'm just a little leary of pulling too much too fast.

Thanks Everyone!

Im going to buy the TLF phosban reactor, is it any good?

I like the TLF fluidized reactors. They've worked well for me in the past.

Jeremy

 

[BradR]

TLF has a new larger reactor (good for 500gal I think) I got from marine depot. It works well. GL!

 

[tibob32]

I use the BRS stuff and it's doing what it's supposed to do. Haven't bleached anything. That being said, the problems with GFO occur when it's added too quickly (big sudden drop in PO4) so I suggest adding 1/5 of the recommended dose then ramp up over a month or so

 

[jlinzmaier]

I use the BRS stuff and it's doing what it's supposed to do. Haven't bleached anything. That being said, the problems with GFO occur when it's added too quickly (big sudden drop in PO4) so I suggest adding 1/5 of the recommended dose then ramp up over a month or so

Makes sense to me. Thanks!

Jeremy

 

[spsal23]

I have had problems with GFO on my SPS dominated tank. GFO really sucks anything and everything out of your tank. From several experiences, when I had removed my GFO, my tank would alk spike. Be careful how much you use and what you do when you remove it.

 

[pwoller]

I have had problems with GFO on my SPS dominated tank. GFO really sucks anything and everything out of your tank. From several experiences, when I had removed my GFO, my tank would alk spike. Be careful how much you use and what you do when you remove it.

If used correctly you shouldnt experience any negitive side effects to running GFO. As said before start off slow and work your way up, I've been running it non stop for a year now. My SPS are doing better then ever.

 

[VoodooMach]

I swear by my TLF phosban reactor and phosban since its dry vs. rowaphos which is wet. I may be delusional, but I think phosban is more cost effective between the two and I'm sure BRS stuff even more cost effective (although I haven't tried it yet.)

 

[spsal23]

If used correctly you shouldnt experience any negitive side effects to running GFO. As said before start off slow and work your way up, I've been running it non stop for a year now. My SPS are doing better then ever.

i agree, meaning, if you decide to remove it, you need to work your way down and reduce the "dosage" per say

 

[motownmego]

I use Seachem seagel in my tlf reactor. Its carbon and phosban together. has worked very well for me.

 

[jlinzmaier]

Of the people using GFO on an SPS tank, has anyone used the "high capacity GFO" from Bulk reef supply?? I wonder if this stuff is more aggressive as well as having a higher capacity for adsorbing po4 or if it simply just has a larger capacity to adsorb po4??

Jeremy

 

[Dejavu]

I have used GFO on my SPS for many yrs with out any problems. The one thing you want to do is make sure you don't use to much too fast. Removing phosphates too fast is the biggest problem people have with it.

 

[Peter Eichler]

I use Seachem seagel in my tlf reactor. Its carbon and phosban together. has worked very well for me.

Be careful with the aluminum oxide based phosphate remover, there's a reason why most people have switched over to iron oxide based media.