GFO and Carbon yes or no (why)?

[scoopsthedog]

The consensus here is most push for no GFO and Carbon and to keep water a little "dirty" with PO4 and NO3 slightly elevated to keep corals. Is this the case for all coral or mostly SPS tanks? Is this also because carbon doesn't really help in balance tanks? Any insight would be great.

 

[chefjpaul]

Carbon doesn't necessarily affect the "dirtier" portion of this statement, unless you are talking about water clarity, not nutrients.

Both are totally different medias.

Carbon can clarify the water for lighting purposes / intensity and act as a chemical deterrant towards coral warfare.

Gfo is used as a po4 reduction aide, I don't like it personally as its harder to Guage and control over other methods.

 

[scoopsthedog]

Carbon doesn't necessarily affect the "dirtier" portion of this statement, unless you are talking about water clarity, not nutrients.

Both are totally different medias.

Carbon can clarify the water for lighting purposes / intensity and act as a chemical deterrant towards coral warfare.

Gfo is used as a po4 reduction aide, I don't like it personally as its harder to Guage and control over other methods.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll prob run carbon in my sump avoiding SPS.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The consensus here is most push for no GFO and Carbon and to keep water a little "dirty" with PO4 and NO3 slightly elevated to keep corals. Is this the case for all coral or mostly SPS tanks? Is this also because carbon doesn't really help in balance tanks? Any insight would be great.

By carbon you mean GAC or organic carbon dosing?

I used all three at the same time, in any case. Just using a method does not imply any particular intensity of effect or result. My tank was never ULNS.

 

[scoopsthedog]

By carbon you mean GAC or organic carbon dosing?

I used all three at the same time, in any case. Just using a method does not imply any particular intensity of effect or result. My tank was never ULNS.

I guess I may misunderstood a few of the posts. I'm talking about running carbon media as a part of the filter and a possible GAC vs adding carbon to a tank as part of a ULNS.

 

[chefjpaul]

I guess I may misunderstood a few of the posts. I'm talking about running carbon media as a part of the filter and a possible GAC vs adding carbon to a tank as part of a ULNS.

GAC (granular activated carbon), is the media, which I assumed you were referring to, is good media in the filtration portion, not necessarily affecting the nutrients.

A Carbon source, as in Vodka, vinegar, etc... can be used to aide in & achive ULN systems as it does have an effect of the nutrients, although there is more to this than just adding a carbon source as you need balance.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php

Like Randy said though, as I have as well, used all three and never had an ULN system. Just preference.

 

[cilyjr]

I run gfo when I see po4 above .05. but only for a week or so and about 2/3 the recommended amount

 

[saltyhog]

I run GFO and GAC. I let my PO4 levels dictate how much and how often on the GFO (aim for 0.02-0.05). As your tank gets more crowded from coral growth I thing GAC is helpful for the inevitable coral warfare.

If nitrates and bioload warrant it carbon dosing is a helpful tool to control nitrates. I like mine <5.