GFO Usage

Gary Ellis · Apr 17, 2018

I am starting a brand new tank. Should I put GFO in the media basket right from the start? Or should I wait and cycle it first? I have a 4 shelf media rack. What should I fill it with?

mahindra.dev · Apr 17, 2018

You dont need to run GFO rite now. It can be placed in a media bag in any of the shelves, but they work best with reactors. I use BRS GFO

Jesterrace · Apr 17, 2018

Definitely cycle first. GFO will do nothing but be a possible hinderance to the cycling process.

Gary Ellis · Apr 18, 2018

OK How about the carbon...Should I wait on that to?

Gary Ellis · Apr 18, 2018

Once cycled can you recommend what to use in the 4 shelfs of the e260 media rack?

rockskimmerflow · Apr 18, 2018

Gary Ellis said:
Once cycled can you recommend what to use in the 4 shelfs of the e260 media rack?

For a media rack like that, I'd run some sort of biomedia (rubble rock, ceramic, sponge, etc) followed by carbon and gfo (ROX 0.8 and bulk generic GFO are my preferred). Most importantly I would wait and test your phosphate levels before adding any GFO - not much benefit yet if you're at or very near 0.00. Post cycle, you can begin carbon use and of course the bio media can be added at any time - the sooner the better in terms of cycling. Best of luck!

gerald91 · Apr 18, 2018

you need to use GFO only if you have PO4 issue.
right level of PO4 need to be around 0,04 and 0,02, but it's important to keep this level
To manage PO4 i prefer using Coral Balance from Fauna Marin

COral Balance feed corals, water more clear and help to export PO4 to the skimmer