nano tank and GFO

the 28g has phosphates...........and am wanting to get rid of them. I know all the specifics of cutting back feeding, lighting, etc.....

what I want to know is how people with nano's use GFO....
Here are my options that I have on hand right now......
1. GFO in a phosphate reactor
2. GFO in a sock in the back
3. Purigen in a sock

The tank is 28g nano HQI with cheato, 30lbs LR, UV sterilizer and 2 nano koralia pumps. I have any and all materials to do any option so what does everyone else do

 

In my 29g, I used GFO in a canister filter. A reactor would be slightly better. Just in a sock will be my last choice. As for #3, I won't use the aluminum based binders, as they have more potential for toxicity. Many people use them without issue though, but GFO is generally cheaper anyways so why take the risk? just my .02 though.

 

A reactor is the best choice, you get low flow rates and lots of surface contact and contact time due to the design as in the Phosban Reactor 150.
Canister filters have too high a flow rate and are huge overkill since you only need two to three tablespoons of media of a 28 gallon aquarium.

In my 16G bowfront I place 1.5 tablespoons of GFO along with some carbon in a mesh bag and stick it in my AC HOB refugium. Its not ideal since GFO has a longer life than carbon so gets wasted before its exhausted but it works well.

Aluminum based medias are not toxic but they do release phosphates once they are exhausted unlike ferric oxide or iron based medias which bind it and do not release it back in to the treated water.

 

re: release phosphate and toxicity.

Certainly is debatable, but there is some evidence that it can be. There is more evidence than just reports by hobbyists. I would think you are aware of this AZ, so, i assume you just don't agree with the conclusion?
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2003/chem.htm

As far as release of PO4 RHF also states GFO can, although maybe not as easily. Do you disagree?

 

Having worked in water treatment plants for 35+ years I am very aware of ferric oxide and aluminum based medias, both come from the water treatment industry where they have been in use for decades.

Check out research papers at such places like the American Waterworks Association, WEF and others. No debate at all.