How much GFO do I use?

[leoslizards]

I just got my GFO from bulkreefsupply.com. I plan to use it in an empty Tap Water Filter unit with some GAC in it as well. The GAC will be separated in the bottom of the canister with a filter pad in between the GFO and GAC. My question is, how much GAC and GFO do I use in a 29g FO tank?

 

[Larah]

GAC=?
GFO=?

 

[leoslizards]

I forgot to ask, does the GFO need to be rinsed, washed, etc...?

 

[leoslizards]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11624916#post11624916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Larah
GAC=?
GFO=?

GAC= Granular Activated Carbon
GFO= Granular Ferric Oxide aka Phosphate remover

 

[leoslizards]

bump

 

[BCreefmaker]

IMO dont mix the two, run the carbon first for a week. then use the phosphate remover for the other 3 weeks of the month. nothing good come from mixing the two. what are you using to power water through the dinking water filter?

 

[reef_doug]

Assuming this is for a 29gal volume:

GAC: about 1/2c
GFO: about 2 TBLS total, however I would add 1 TBLS wait 2wks then add the 2nd TBLS on top. Replace 4-6 wks unless if you are closely monitoring Phosphates, then replace when the output from the reactor is 0.02 - 0.03 mg/L.

I rinse GAC and GFO in RO/DI before use to cut down on the dust. I also run the Phosoban reactor output into a 100 micron filter sock.

The only problem with mixing them is GFO requires slower flow 80-100 gph, while GAC is more optimal at 100-140 gph. Other than the flow and causing the breakdown, there is no problem with the two in the same reactor.

 

[drillsar]

I just put the whole thing in my reactor (150g) I guess I did it wrong?

 

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11627684#post11627684 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BCreefmaker
IMO dont mix the two, run the carbon first for a week. then use the phosphate remover for the other 3 weeks of the month. nothing good come from mixing the two. what are you using to power water through the dinking water filter?

I totally disagree, Sorry.

I run GFO sandwiched between layers of GAC in my canister filter and so do many others. Don't know what could be the problem here.

leo, email them and ask them what they recommend per gallon. It seens all GFO's are different.

 

[bmk]

Hi
Billybeau1, I think he means dont run both in the same reactor, I run it like you in a cannister.

barry

 

[GPB]

I use 1/2 cup GFO in a filter sock placed in a cannister. I don't know if you can use too much. It would waste money. Once the Phosphate is gone it won't have much to do.

 

[masonicman]

leoslizards

What are you using to pump the water through the tap water filter?

 

[leoslizards]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11628599#post11628599 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by masonicman
leoslizards

What are you using to pump the water through the tap water filter?

Right now I'm going to use a cheap desktop water fountain pump. One of those that look like a camera film canister. I think it might be too weak though. Probably less then 80gph. I'll then replace it with maybe a Hagen AquaClear Powerhead 30 (174gph) that I saw on ebay and attach a valve to control the flow. I also saw a two lot of AquaClear Powerhead 10 (80gph) for the same price, or a Penguin 660.


Should I run only the GFO through the tap water filter and run the GAC through the hob filter?

 

[masonicman]

The HOB filter would be fine. I use one for purigen and phosban. I'm just wondering if the pressure might be too much to keep the hose attached to the top part of tap water filter. Remember that they normally ran with a faucet with about 65 to 70 PSI and the water slowly exits the filter canister.

 

[leoslizards]

I could always glue the hose to the TWF or use one of those metal clamp things.

I emailed the supplier, still waiting on their response.

 

[bsk997]

Carbon needs more flow through it then GFO does.
GFO should barely be tumbling.
Yes, you can run them together but it's not ideal. Another reason not to run the two together is carbon needs to be replaced more frequently then GFO does. It makes it hard to replace just the GFO and not the carbon.

 

[leoslizards]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11630109#post11630109 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bsk997
Carbon needs more flow through it then GFO does.
GFO should barely be tumbling.
Yes, you can run them together but it's not ideal. Another reason not to run the two together is carbon needs to be replaced more frequently then GFO does. It makes it hard to replace just the GFO and not the carbon.

Replacing the GAC may or may not be hard but it will definitely be messy. Therefor I have decided to only run the GFO through the TWF and the GAC through the hob filter.