Phosphate question

[Jersup]

I had somewhat high phosphates. The readings were .25 to .3. I setup a gfo reactor and ran it over night. I tested the phosphate after 12 hours and it was .09. Is it normal for the levels to drop that much in 12 hours?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It can, yes, and if you stop the GFO, it might rise up back toward where it was as rock and sand releases some P.

It might be prudent to stop and see what happens, and not risk it getting to low.

 

[Jersup]

It can, yes, and if you stop the GFO, it might rise up back toward where it was as rock and sand releases some P.

It might be prudent to stop and see what happens, and not risk it getting to low.

Thank you Randy,
One more question, when I stop the reactor is there a way I should store the gfo or is it a goner?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thank you Randy,
One more question, when I stop the reactor is there a way I should store the gfo or is it a goner?

The concern would be organic matter trapped in it decaying and producing hydrogen sulfide. Just stopping it is probably OK, but I'd toss the effluent for a bit on restart, at least until it doesn't smell any longer of rotten eggs (if it ever does smell).