Pros and cons of GFO

[Madonia]

Below please list your top 3 pros and top 3 cons of running GFO

science backed articles are welcomed

 

[Big E]

Pros-
It works
You don't need as much as the manufacturer recommends
It's the easiest way to reduce P04 only

Cons-
It's messy
You have to change it out on a scheduled basis
You have to keep buying it..........too hard to regenerate.

 

[Billdogg]

Pros-
It works
You don't need as much as the manufacturer recommends
It's the easiest way to reduce P04 only

Cons-
It's messy
You have to change it out on a scheduled basis
You have to keep buying it..........too hard to regenerate.

Pretty much this.

It works. Sometimes almost too well. It will work best in a reactor. For GFO I use a TLF 150 that sits inside the sump so if there were to be any leaks they're contained.

I don't find it to be any more messy than carbon. Rinse it well and let'er rip! Just a slight tumble at the surface of the media. Any more than that and it can grind itself to dust.

Note - DO NOT use it unless you actually have a PO4 problem. The goal with GFO is not to reach a level of 0. All creatures need a small amount of phosphate for basic metabolic function. It is a great tool to have on hand however, so there is always a jar of BRS GFO in my supply cabinet!

 

[mbarber87]

It removes phosphates extremely well. To put it into perspective, I run a ~150gal system and have a refug with Chaeto absorbing the nutrients out. It was growing like a weed and I had to remove chunks every 4-5 days.

Once I started running a GFO reactor, I've barely needed to touch the Chaeto as it's growth has stunted.

 

[ca1ore]

Seem to recall reading that it depletes alkalinity as well .....

 

[Madonia]

Yes^^
Any experience with it depleting alk? Any numbers to go off of?

 

[AZMSGT]

Keeps my PO4 under control. Holding steady now at .02-.03 I run it on a timed socket every day. About 6 hours a day.

Haven't had any ALK issues. But then again I monitor Alk close and dose appropriatly.