Using GFO

[Ripnlips82]

Why is it I always have problems with bleaching or shocking my system when I use GFO? I start out with really small amounts and even use half or less than recommended amount. My phosphate is normally never over .05 and nitrate less than 5 (salifert) yet I still get what I assume to be a diatom bloom on my bed? :frusty:

 

[robbrouse]

Who's GFO are you using? Are you using a reactor? I've never really had an issue.. I use BRO stuff in a reactor and I user about 1/2 cup. Now I jsut have fish and softies.

 

[daniel16]

Diatoms, when abundant will consume huge amounts of phosphates rapidly. Often so quickly you can't see them in the test.

Do you see the diatoms when the lights first cut on? If not, try testing for phosphates right before the lights turn on. I'll bet your test shows higher levels than that.

You have to have an abundance of silica too. The diatoms need them to survive. But the GFO should remove silica and phosphates.

I've had similar problems in the past due to poor water quality (from where I was purchasing it). Test your new water for phosphates. If it's 0, do as large of a water change as possible.

A 100% (or close to it) water change will solve almost all issues, almost every time.

 

[daniel16]

Any update Ripnlips82? How are things going?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Brightwell Aquatics - Phosphat-E

 

[Ripnlips82]

Hey guys thanks for the reply. Sorry been busy with Christmas stuff. I have Pura Phoslock and use it in a Tlf reactor and a Mj1600. It does seem to appear mostly towards the end of the day but its really not much. Now it's starting to look more like a little bit of cyano. I will try and post pics later after work.

I did a 25 gallon water change on Monday and it doesn't seem to have helped much. We are not talking about much here just a bit on the sand, I am just trying to nip it in the butt before it gets worse. I can honestly go 5-7 days before I even have to clean my glass. I did recently turn my led's up a bit but started to get this problem prior. I can hardly use even half a cup in my 75 with a 40 sump without seeing adverse effects within 1 or 2 days that's why I just removed the reactor completely from the system. The first time I tried it was half a cup and my anemone split, hammer would not come out and montipora went almost white in 3 days time. There was no change in po4 with lights off when I tested it this morning and it was less than .03.

I guess one problem could be my flow but it sure seems like I have enough. I have a wp40 and a 950 right now. I would like more flow on the bed but my chalice does not seem to agree.