carbon/gfo questions

[Spcoley1]

I recently installed a carbon reactor and a gfo reactor, due to high phosphate readings. About 4 days later, I
lost all my xenias. I think this is more than coincidental. Is it possible to lower phosphates too fast, or have too much carbon flow through the reactor?
Parameters
180 gallon tank
ammonia 0
nitrates 40
nitrites 0
calcium 400
alk 2.0 (i know this is low)
mag 1400
phosphate (was .036, cut it to .016 in a matter of 4 days)

 

[Mike O'Brien]

It is possible to lower it too fast. That seems to be the case since Xenia do like elevated nutrients.

 

[AZDesertRat]

How much GFO did you install? You should start out with 5 grams per 10 gallons in the beginning and slowly work up to 10 grams per 10 gallons maximum over time. I stay at the 5 grams personally. 10 grams is approx one level teaspoon full so you should start with no more than 9 spoons full or 90 grams for the first month or longer.