Is it time to run GFO and Carbon?

Chameleon · May 20, 2012

Hey yall,
Its been about a half year of running my tank now. It is SPS dominated, mostly frags as I didnt add much until the last 2 months. Phosphates have been 0 as well as nitrates (API). I think its time for some carbon as I figured starting that could only help with allelopathy and things, but I was also considering GFO. Do yall think I should start running carbon and GFO? I was looking at the BRS dual reactor. Also suggestions for carbon and GFO would be appreciated if you think that is how I should go.
Thanks,
Cham

REEFKEEPER10 · May 20, 2012

I wouldn't try to fix something that don't need fixed but I have used API test and found them to lie. So I would get a better test and see. Phosphates can read zero even if you have some because the algae is using it as fast as it is being produced. The same with nitrates. Are you running biopellet or are you keeping the down with water changes.

btkrausen · May 20, 2012

If your phosphates are at 0 and you have no algae problems than GFO is going to be pointless..I wouldn't waste your money. GFO is used ONLY to reduce phosphates in the system.

I've always run carbon, 24/7, in my tanks with good success. However, I've recently (two months ago) turned it off and really haven't noticed any difference or change in the tank, so I'll keep it on hand, but not run all the time.

As for the BRS dual reactor, I'd skip it and get two singles if you end up needing to run GFO. GFO and carbon require different flow, in which you can't achieve in the dual reactor. I did run the dual, but dropped it for two singles

Chameleon · May 21, 2012

Thanks for the input. I did verify the nitrates with red sea pro...but don't have anything to verify the phosphates. The only algae to speak of is that that forms the film on the glass and maybe a bubble or two on a few of my new frags(probably from die off that is now leaching phosphates i hope). So I am inclined to believe the test. Do you think GFO would help with the glass film algae? Its not a big problem I just use my mag float every couple of days but I was curious if I could prevent it completely.

nater · May 21, 2012

it wont prevent it completely. it can slow it down. i would say maybe run some carbon. but if you do so , start really slow with the amount you use at first. also , i have been running carbon and gfo since month two of my tank with nothing but great results all around. i cannot say i attribute that directly to running carbon and gfo , but i can only say that i will probably continue to use both as long as i feel it's necessary. i have a fairly high bio load with the amount of fish i have in the tank. i do not feed alot , but when i feed i have to put a decent amount in because there are so many mouths to feed! lol. gfo will help pull phosphates that are added by food. hope this helps