Looking to add GFO, media sock versus reactor?

[t5Nitro]

Looking to add GFO to help with a phosphate level of 0.59 ppm (yesterday 0.56 ppm) by Hanna checker.

I think the rubbermaid stock tank is leaching phosphates, which appears to be common looking into other threads.

Can I place BRS GFO in a nylon sock and hang it passively in the tank or should I grab something like the Avast fluidized media reactor? I don't really have space for more equipment so hoping the passive bag method is at least enough to lower it some and keep it in check closer to 0.1?

 

[Spare time]

It needs to have water forced through it. Do you run filter socks or some sort of filter? You can throw it in a bag in there (a very very fine mesh bag). It won't be as effective as a reactor but it will still work if the water is going through it (you would need to play around with the placement).

 

[t5Nitro]

I could run a filter sock under the outlet of the UV sterilizer. I've done that in the past and could keep the media bag in there. I could also suspend it near the output of the skimmer but maybe not directly under it to avoid turning it to fines.

I'll send an order in for the BRS high capacity GFO and take it slow, maybe 0.5 cups at a time and check every few days and replace often if necessary. My goal would be a slow decrease to 0.1-0.2 ppm.

 

[Spare time]

I could run a filter sock under the outlet of the UV sterilizer. I've done that in the past and could keep the media bag in there. I could also suspend it near the output of the skimmer but maybe not directly under it to avoid turning it to fines.

I'll send an order in for the BRS high capacity GFO and take it slow, maybe 0.5 cups at a time and check every few days and replace often if necessary. My goal would be a slow decrease to 0.1-0.2 ppm.

I think that sounds like a decent plan. If you are worried about it grinding up too much, you can tie the media bag tightly or use some plastic zip tie.

 

[Quietman]

For some options instead of buying reactor....although I fully understand getting a good excuse to by some cool gear is definitely a reefer thing...

PhosGuard is what I use occasionally (haven't needed since installed algae scrubber but used to use it all the time). I'd mix a PhosGuard with GAC Rox.8 in a bag and set in sock. I also liked that the Phosguard seemed a bit more gentle than GFO meaning the phosphates reduced slowly/controlled. That could just be a perception on my part though.

The other product I liked and used when I needed a bigger/quicker reduction was Phosphate RX. Very effective but you have to use as directed (and cut it in half the first time). Running a skimmer is recommended for particulate removal (never found it to be an issues with small doses).

 

[t5Nitro]

Sounds like a plan. I ordered the GFO.

I took the pellet feeder offline temporarily until I get it down, but I'm sure the rubbermaid is leaking it since it's never measured that high before. I also dose live phyto, but I've read more reports of it decreasing phosphate than raising. Corals still look nice and growing well. Nothing appears impacted, but it's one of those things now that I've checked it, I'm going to be treating the lab, lol.

 

[t5Nitro]

I can certainly do this too. I have a new jug of ROX 0.8 on the way as well. Too bad I hadn't checked phos prior. Would've had them both today.

I don't actually know if there is toxicity at a certain value in reef tanks, but as I mentioned things look ok and seem unaffected. I just happened to test out of randomness to see what it was and it turned out high (0.56ppm) and repeated similarly about 24 hours later (0.59ppm).

Will be glad to get it back to even 0.2. I suppose I'll have to watch it closer now if there is rubbermaid leaking phosphate until the actual tank gets set up. I at least removed one source (pellet food on auto feeder) as a temporizing measure. I only did that because the number went from 0.56 to 0.59 ppm over the past 24 hours, but this feeder has been in use for years. I think it's more likely variation between the lab related to error. FWIW, the Hanna checker reagent turns the tank water in the vial a blue-grey tinge, so the measurement is relatively accurate (high).

I can circle back to this thread after I get the GFO online and document what it's doing if it helps anyone else out in future searches.

For some options instead of buying reactor....although I fully understand getting a good excuse to by some cool gear is definitely a reefer thing...

PhosGuard is what I use occasionally (haven't needed since installed algae scrubber but used to use it all the time). I'd mix a PhosGuard with GAC Rox.8 in a bag and set in sock. I also liked that the Phosguard seemed a bit more gentle than GFO meaning the phosphates reduced slowly/controlled. That could just be a perception on my part though.

The other product I liked and used when I needed a bigger/quicker reduction was Phosphate RX. Very effective but you have to use as directed (and cut it in half the first time). Running a skimmer is recommended for particulate removal (never found it to be an issues with small doses).

 

[t5Nitro]

Just an update if it helps any future thread searches: I used 8 Tbsp of the high capacity GFO passively in a nylon sock. Over the course of roughly 1 week, without change in feeding schedule, the phosphate has decreased to 0.48 this morning. I will probably change out the media again this weekend with a possible goal to get the number down to the 0.3s over the next week. The blue-gray tinge to the test vial after adding the Hanna phosphate reagent is much less noticeable at 0.48 than it was at 0.55-0.59.