How often to change media and indications

[Reefaddict24]

I recently bought the 2 Phosban Reactor 550 one for GFO and the other for Carbon.

How often do you recommend on changing out the media for a 400g fully stocked reef tank?

 

[Reef1121]

General rule of thumb is replace the carbon once every 2 weeks and replace the GFO once a month. I would stick to the once every 2 weeks for carbon. As far as GFO goes you could potentially wait till your phosphates start to go up, but why wait for a problem instead of being proactive and just changing it.

 

[reeftivo]

+1
Depending on feeding habits and stocking levels 2 to 4 weeks for carbon (4 weeks should be fine) and GFO when it starts to rise.

GFO aint cheap! Especially if you use Rowa. So changing it every 2 weeks or so wouldn't be cost effective unless of course you are trying to get your levels down. In that case frequent GFO changes would be necessary.

 

[djkms]

I dont run GFO anymore but I change my carbon every 2 weeks religiously. BRS Rox

 

[Reef1121]

+1
GFO aint cheap! Especially if you use Rowa. So changing it every 2 weeks or so wouldn't be cost effective unless of course you are trying to get your levels down. In that case frequent GFO changes would be necessary.

I was saying change it once a month, but if you are trying to be cost effective you could change it when ever you start to see a rise in your phosphate levels.

Are you going to be running the carbon and GFO in reactors or a media bag?

 

[pete33]

I don't run carbon, but I change out GFO every 2 months if I don't have any algae growth. I stopped testing for phosphates and again just keep up on the GFO.