what does gfo, and carbon do?

[ajones2n]

what does GFO and Carbon do in a reactor? Also are there any benefits of running them together in a double reactor or is one or the other plenty in a single reactor.

 

[MrDJeep123]

Carbon is water clarifier and GFO (granular ferric oxide) absorbs phosphate.

 

[MrDJeep123]

Sorry, for some reason only part of you text was showing. Tablets...

Carbon works best by being passed through rather than around. Both together isn't recommended.

 

[mike007]

Carbon is water clarifier and GFO (granular ferric oxide) absorbs phosphate.

+1 also carbon will remove the compounds in they water that make your water look yellowish. Gfo will help export Phosphate.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Carbon removes all kinds of impurities from the water column. Heavy metals, medications, the list does go on a bit.

 

[ajones2n]

So do you need both? Or does carbon alone do the job? Watching videos on YouTube I've seen it nine ways but unfortunately they mostly just show their set up, and don't really every explain the reasoning behind what they've chosen.

 

[that Reef Guy]

I am told not to use Carbon as it will give your Fish Lateral Line Disease and Kill Your Zoanthids.

Is this True?

 

[fireman23]

I run go constantly. Only time I run carbon is to polish my water a little. In my opinion gfo is a must

 

[MrDJeep123]

I am told not to use carbon as it will give your Fish Lateral Line Disease and Kill Your Zoanthids.

Is this True?

Certain fish and with extended use from what I understand the studies to show. As for zoas, I don't think so. I know plenty who run carbon and zero issue with zoa death. Perhaps something else was going on.

 

[Reefing Madness]

I am told not to use Carbon as it will give your Fish Lateral Line Disease and Kill Your Zoanthids.

Is this True?

It can, yes.
Activated carbon affirmed as causative agent for HLLE disease ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

 

[ajones2n]

I run go constantly. Only time I run carbon is to polish my water a little. In my opinion gfo is a must

Fireman23 how often do you add carbon in and for what duration? And does adding carbon in mess with any of the levels in the tank. (If my questions sound trivial and elementary I'm still wet behind the ears as far as aquariums go.)

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

i've got a 7.5g cube and have both in separate media bags. think its a tbsp of each(brs recommendation) and i change it out monthly. tank looks great.

 

[Dowtish]

I run carbon 24/7 365! Lateral Line Disease only comes into play if you run WAY too much and you are grinding it up by tumbling it too fast in your reactor. Carbon will polish your water so it looks crystal clear and remove any smells, color, etc. This will also help your lights penetrate better.

GFO is strictly for removing phosphates, which carbon cannot do.

 

[ajones2n]

Thanks dowtish, exactly the kind of response I was looking for!

 

[Dowtish]

Thanks dowtish, exactly the kind of response I was looking for!

No problem

 

[McAllyn]

To answer part B, dont' get the dual reactor. Carbon and GFO typically require different flow levels, and the dual reactor does not allow for this. They are notoriously difficult to get dialed in so that both media's are happy.

Mac

 

[fireman23]

+1. Correct me if I'm wrong but I've also heard some people that run carbon constantly have had phosphate issues

 

[Alabamareef]

I have Carbon and GFO in the same reactor, bulk reef- www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-gfo-carbon-reactor-deluxe.html . 24/7/365 and have zoas and no lateral line disease. My SPS buddy does the same thing and has for years with no problem. Remember there are several ways to be successful in this hobby and for me Carbon makes my fish look like they are floating in the air and GFO keeps my p04 at 0.