NoPox vs. GFO

[McArcher]

Does anybody know the reasoning behind Red Sea's admonition against running GFO while dosing NoPox? When I dose NoPox, I can get my NO3 to be undetectable on a Red Sea test, but can't get the PO4 below 0.36. In desperation, I started running GFO and now my PO4 is at 0.04 , my NO3 is between 0.5 and 0.8 and my tank has never looked better.
Given Red Sea's warning, I'm nervous to keep running them together but it's hard to stop without knowing the reason behind it and my tank looks so good.

 

[saltyhog]

Only thing I can think of is that some PO4 is necessary for the bacteria. Without an adequate amount of PO4 the NoPox would probably be less effective in reducing NO3? I can't think of anything that would be a threat to the tank.

 

[ReeferBee]

Not sure either as carbon dosing lowers nitrates a lot more than phosphates. Maybe get the redsea rep on the forum to help with this one

 

[wkscott]

Does anybody know the reasoning behind Red Sea's admonition against running GFO while dosing NoPox? When I dose NoPox, I can get my NO3 to be undetectable on a Red Sea test, but can't get the PO4 below 0.36. In desperation, I started running GFO and now my PO4 is at 0.04 , my NO3 is between 0.5 and 0.8 and my tank has never looked better.
Given Red Sea's warning, I'm nervous to keep running them together but it's hard to stop without knowing the reason behind it and my tank looks so good.

The GFO will interfer with the biological processes that you are trying to start with the NoPoX. The NoPoX will eventually start to lower your phosphates also.

 

[lion king]

Saltyhog is right, the concern is that the PO4 will get too low in relationship to NO3. I run gfo with nopox also, it works for me. Without gfo I was not getting my PO4 as low as would like.

 

[Alfrareef]

I run NOPOX with GFO and it's the only way my tank keep steady levels of PO4.

 

[Scurvy]

+1 to Both. Keeps my levels perfect and no algae.

 

[lauderdalestunner]

I'm battling nitrates and running a small bag of GFO in my sump. (Low PO4 and no algae) Been splashing vodka and running pellets in a reactor. Going to give this nopox a try. Figured I'd kill the vodka myself but should I shutdown the bio pellets?