GFO and Carbon question

Tflow256 · Jul 6, 2015

So I'm planning on making my tank SPS dominant. I plan on running gfo if necessary but I would like to know what people's input on running carbon in SPS dominant tank and if it should be run right after the cycle is done? Any tips and input is appreciated!

d2mini · Jul 6, 2015

Yes, you can run it on an sps tank.
It should clear up your water a little bit.
Personally, I would start running it once you have some fish.

Tflow256 · Jul 7, 2015

Ok thanks! What about gfo? Should I wait until I detect phosphate or start running right off the bat too?

d2mini · Jul 7, 2015

Tflow256 said:
Ok thanks! What about gfo? Should I wait until I detect phosphate or start running right off the bat too?

Yes, I think you should wait. GFO can be some potent stuff.
I'm not a fan of chasing phosphate numbers, especially if you are not noticing algae problems.
I'd wait until your p04 is at least .03 or higher before touching GFO, and then I would start sparingly.
But it is a good idea to have a reactor in place or planned into your system from the start. I have one as part of my sump setup. I don't use it, but if I ever need it, it's there and ready to go.

maroun.c · Jul 7, 2015

+1 on waiting till you get a reading on Phosphate, I'd also try to let the system (Fuge Biopellets or carbon dosing) handle it but most o fthe cases you end up with 0 nitrates which becomes a limiting factor for PO4 reduction and in this case you resort to GFO.

Tflow256 · Jul 7, 2015

That's what I was thinking. Reactors and ato will be ordered this weekend. I do have a fuge on this tank, not big, mainly just dsb ruble and will add chaeto. Thanks!

ReeferBob · Jul 10, 2015

I'm going to go the other way and say get your GFO going now. I started GFO as soon as my cycle was complete on my last tank and have yet to have any algae problems. Don't wait until you have a problem to start running GFO.

dfm34 · Jul 13, 2015

ReeferBob said:
I'm going to go the other way and say get your GFO going now. I started GFO as soon as my cycle was complete on my last tank and have yet to have any algae problems. Don't wait until you have a problem to start running GFO.

I started to run mine right after the cycle but I also knew my rocks would leach PO4.

Paul87 · Jul 13, 2015

ReeferBob said:
I'm going to go the other way and say get your GFO going now. I started GFO as soon as my cycle was complete on my last tank and have yet to have any algae problems. Don't wait until you have a problem to start running GFO.

Agreed. Alot of rock and even sand week usually leach out phosphate. It's best to control it while it's not much. If you choose to go with GFO I personally like rowaphos. It's pricier, but no rinsing required and it's alot better product IME compared to standard BRS GFO. I have heard good things on the BRS high capacity but have never tried it. Once I switched to rowaphos I was satisfied customer.