Gfo

[igadget56]

This is what I am using now , running BIO Pellets. I test with Hanna and Salifert, always get readihg 0.0. I have a minor case of cyano. I am going to change to brs GFO. I always get 0.0, So how will I know when to change the gfo. Also how much do I use at one time. 125GL 40 sump. This is what I have now will it be OK?

http://nextreef.com/images/MR1/MR1.jpg

 

[tkeracer619]

its the same stuff.

Will need one of these to tell when to change it. Regular test kits are worthless.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/hanna-checker-phosphate-po4-colorimeter.html

 

[igadget56]

This is what I am using now , running BIO Pellets. I test with Hanna and Salifert, always get readihg 0.0. I have a minor case of cyano. I am going to change to brs GFO. I always get 0.0, So how will I know when to change the gfo. Also how much do I use at one time. 125GL 40 sump. This is what I have now will it be OK?

http://nextreef.com/images/MR1/MR1.jpg

What do you mean they are the same thing? BIO Pellets and GFO??????

 

[igadget56]

I thought Bio pellets changed the whole chemistry in the tank by adding a carbon source and it feeds on nitrates.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Biopellets drive bacterial growth, and that growth can cause a reduction in nitrate and phosphate as the growing bacteria take them up.

In many cases, it is also fine to use GFO at the same time if you have algae, cyano or phosphate problems despite organic carbon dosing (which is quite common).

I'm not a big fan of testing for nitrate and phosphate except in unusual circumstances. I gauge when to change GFO based largely on observing the tank (algae growth on glass, etc). In general, a couple of weeks is a fine plan for GFO in most cases unless you have an algae problem. I do not believe that any brand GFO lasts 3 months unless you are treating new salt water.

 

[briankmarsh1980]

I change my GFO every 3 to 4 weeks I only test for phosphates maybe a couple times a year.
When I do test I use a hanna and it's always 0

 

[ZR1001]

I would not change it that often if your reading is always 0.

 

[igadget56]

My Hanna and Salifert always reads 0 and I have minor case of cyano. I will do
what Randy does, watch the tank. Thank You again Randy. Problem solved.

 

[papawheelie]

I run GFO and Carbon in BRS reactors and Bio Pellets in a next reef reactor. GFO for Phosphate, and Bio Pellets for Nitrates. If you run GFO in a reactor, make sure it doesn't tumble hard, or it will break up. I set mine at a low flow so that you can see it moving around slightly at the top. BRS also makes a few different kinds, so if you're going to run it in a mesh bag, make sure you get the type for that. Same with the reactor type.