Carbon and gfo reactor

[Austin R]

Hi I was looking to get a gfo and carbon reactor from brs and I was wondering if some one could explain how you would set one up also how well do they work and what kind of issues could it cause or any other info you think would be helpful thanks!

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Question.. Why are you getting a reactor for GFO and Carbon?

 

[mcarroll]

Question.. Why are you getting a reactor for GFO and Carbon?

Glad to see someone on the same wavelength! The OP could have a fine reason, but it seems like in most tanks this is a foregone conclusion, as if they're necessary.

 

[Austin R]

I mean the reason I thought about getting one was because of how well they will clean the water carbon for clarity and gfo to keep algae away. Maybe I'm going over board? I'm just having issues with algae and I've had chemipure in for a couple weeks and thought a reactor would be a good step "up" also wanted also to run a zero nitrate or very close to zero nitrate tank

 

[Austin R]

reefaland310 did you like this because that's a good reason to run a reactor?

 

[Xclusive Reef]

do you have corals? do you have a sump if yes do you have Chaeto in it? I would stop using chemipure and just run the carbon, you can even pit it in a media bag and put it in your sump if you have a sump to clean up your water. GFO is mostly used if you have phosphates, used to reduce phosphates.

If you wanted to use both you can. you can connect it with a pump or connect it to a manifold. Just do a quick search on youtube on the reactors so you get an idea how to hook it up

for example I am starting a new tanks and I will use carbon in one media bag and phosphate minus from Aquaforest to reduce the phosphates that will leach out of the dry rocks.

after a month or so I will remove them and use as needed. if I see water dirty or anything I will put a bag of carbon in the sump.

 

[GoVols]

reefaland310 did you like this because that's a good reason to run a reactor?

Austin,

I love my GFO reactor but if you do not have a phosphate issue, then you do not need a GFO reactor and GFO has nothing to do with water clarity.

If you feel need to run a GFO reactor, then let it tumble insides it's own reactor, to capture the full benefit of the GFO.

If you want to run a carbon / ROX reactor for capturing organics and water clarity, then pack the carbon very tight so that it does not tumble. It's a lot softer then GFO and will break down into tiny fines, that could lead to HLLE.

Either way, Start way below the recommended doses, to be sure they don't strip out too much, too fast, thus shocking your carols.

May want to invest in the Hanna (ULR) phos, checker and the Salifert nitrate kits.
When it comes the Phos. and Nitrates the API kits, just don't cut it.

Regards, GoVols

 

[Austin R]

do you have corals? do you have a sump if yes do you have Chaeto in it? I would stop using chemipure and just run the carbon, you can even pit it in a media bag and put it in your sump if you have a sump to clean up your water. GFO is mostly used if you have phosphates, used to reduce phosphates.

If you wanted to use both you can. you can connect it with a pump or connect it to a manifold. Just do a quick search on youtube on the reactors so you get an idea how to hook it up

for example I am starting a new tanks and I will use carbon in one media bag and phosphate minus from Aquaforest to reduce the phosphates that will leach out of the dry rocks.

after a month or so I will remove them and use as needed. if I see water dirty or anything I will put a bag of carbon in the sump.

Please correct me if I'm wrong but phosphates = algea? Also I have two corals Duncan and a gsp I have a sump.

 

[GoVols]

Please correct me if I'm wrong but phosphates = algea? Also I have two corals Duncan and a gsp I have a sump.

What do your phosphates test at and what test kits are you using?

Also, How old is your reef?
You may just be going threw the "Ugly's" stage.

 

[Austin R]

What do your phosphates test at and what test kits are you using?

I'll be honest I don't have one I know I should... the only reason I feel it's high is because of the crazy algae I've been fighting for the past three weeks I could attach picutre if you like

 

[GoVols]

I'll be honest I don't have one I know I should... the only reason I feel it's high is because of the crazy algae I've been fighting for the past three weeks I could attach picutre if you like

How long has your reef been running?

 

[Austin R]

Since march

How long has your reef been running?

 

[GoVols]

Since march

Could be high phos.
But I would not mess with your phos. and or nitrates without good tests kits

 

[Austin R]

Could be high phos.
But I would not mess with your phos. and or nitrates without good tests kits

What's a "good" test kit? I have a API that does basic things like ph ammonia nitrite and nitrate

 

[GoVols]

What's a "good" test kit? I have a API that does basic things like ph ammonia nitrite and nitrate

Phos. - Get the Hanna (ULR) Checker
Nitrates - Get the Salifert Nitrate test kit

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Phos. - Get the Hanna (ULR) Checker
Nitrates - Get the Salifert Nitrate test kit

yes I like these also..

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Also are you going your water changes and how much?

 

[Austin R]

Phos. - Get the Hanna (ULR) Checker
Nitrates - Get the Salifert Nitrate test kit

Ok thank you so even if I didn't need gfo couldn't I leave a chamber empty and just run carbon in theory? I was gonna get a two chamber one from brs

 

[GoVols]

Also are you going your water changes and how much?

Great Question

 

[Austin R]

Also are you going your water changes and how much?

I normally do 20% everyother week because my bioload is pretty small. I do larger or more often water changes if needed