Gfo

[Cakedadda]

Hi there
2 GFO questions:
Had a bit of a cyano outbreak, so I decided to get a reactor. I figured my phosphates were up a bit. I sucked most of the cyano out, and fired up the reactor. It never came back. So, problem solved, I hope. So I'm wondering:

A. Is it normal for a problem to clear up that quickly? I have a 75 with a 30 gallon sump, and my reactor only holds about 2/3 of a cup.
B. Is it ok to have loose GFO in the sump? Invariably some escapes even after rinsing

Thanks
Dave

 

[billdogg]

Did you test for phosphate before jumping into a reactor? If not, why? I'm not trying to imply that what you did was necessarily wrong, but without prior testing how can you be certain that it actually did it's job?

As for the loose GFO in the sump - the reactor should have just enough flow for the surface of the GFO to tumble. If any escaped, it would indicate that your flow may have been too high.

 

[IveGotSunshine]

Did you change anything other than adding gfo? Circulation/feeding/lights etc? Im surprised thats all it took bc cyano can often survive just fine with low/no phosphates. Thats awesome if thats all it took for you! Loose gfo in sump wont bother anything imo.

 

[West1]

Does your reactor have some form of mechanical?
You should be able to find a used twolittlefishes phosban for like 20-30 dollars if you the funds.

I plummed one to my return pump and have the outflow of the reactor going into my DIY filter sock. This traps all lose gfo particles.

Agreed with the above, if gfo is escaping, the flow might be to strong. It should tumble in the reactor. Ive seen reactors filled 1/3, the reactor size could be an issue if its not tall enough.