To GFO or NOT to GFO

[EakTheFreak]

Would like to hear opionions on the PROS & CONS of GFO media in a reactor? I currently run it to keep my phosphates staying in the .06 - .10 range and like to feed heavily. I utilize Macro algae in sump and Carbon dosing to bring my Nitrate into the 5-10 ppm range. I have an LPS/Softy tank.

What are the PROS to GFO?

What are the Cons to GFO?

Looking forward to hearing your answer!
#reefsquad
@ReefSquad

 

[Biglew11]

Pros. very effective, it can keep your phosphates very low.

Cons. very effective, it can strip your tank of all phosphates if you're not careful.

You just need to keep an eye on your numbers. As long as they are good, you're good to go.

 

[JMetaxas]

I use it to control phosphate, but certainly do not use it as the rate recommended on the package of BRS product.

 

[EakTheFreak]

I use it to control phosphate, but certainly do not use it as the rate recommended on the package of BRS product.

I take it you use less than they recommend then?

 

[Willbiker]

What is your phosphate level? If your level is under 0.05 then you don't need it.

My gfo stripped my tank of nutrients and got the dinos bad. I now leave it off as I am keeping my nutrients elevated to beat dinoflagellates but when I go back to normal, I will run it on a timer to help balance my phosphate at a nice level.

You need to avoid hitting zero so if you are thinking of running it, you could take a phosphate reading and start by running the gfo for a few hours per day to see what impact it has on the levels. Rather the same concept as dosing. Then up the hours accordingly in order to lower to the desired level. You will need to have a regular constant feeding schedule for this approach to work.

But as I said, its only needed if your level is climbing to 0.08 or higher. Even then there are other options like increased water changes

 

[Willbiker]

Sorry I just saw your readings in your origin post. Sounds like what you are doing is working

 

[EakTheFreak]

What is your phosphate level? If your level is under 0.05 then you don't need it.

My gfo stripped my tank of nutrients and got the dinos bad. I now leave it off as I am keeping my nutrients elevated to beat dinoflagellates but when I go back to normal, I will run it on a timer to help balance my phosphate at a nice level.

You need to avoid hitting zero so if you are thinking of running it, you could take a phosphate reading and start by running the gfo for a few hours per day to see what impact it has on the levels. Rather the same concept as dosing. Then up the hours accordingly in order to lower to the desired level. You will need to have a regular constant feeding schedule for this approach to work.

But as I said, its only needed if your level is climbing to 0.08 or higher. Even then there are other options like increased water changes

I already run GFO. That’s what keeps me in the range I stated. Was just curious what the CONS are of running it. I try not to allow it to get lower than .03 ppm.

 

[Willbiker]

I already run GFO. That’s what keeps me in the range I stated. Was just curious what the CONS are of running it. I try not to allow it to get lower than .03 ppm.

My bad. I dont think there is much too it

Cons: risk of stripping, extra expense, requires replacement and cleaning
Pros: powerful tool if needed, simple method to balance levels.

Someone with more scientific knowledge may be able to delve into the biological pros and cons...

 

[LegendaryCG]

I like Gfo when starting out to strip phosphates out of any rock/sand that I’m using. After a while I stop running it. I believe thats a big issue people who start dry rock tanks experience when they have plague like algae blooms.