Carbon, GFO or Bio Pellets?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by clarky2120, Dec 22, 2011.

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Pick one:

  1. Carbon

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  2. GFO

    3 vote(s)
    50.0%

  3. Bio-Pellets

    3 vote(s)
    50.0%
  1. clarky2120

    clarky2120 Bubble Tip Anemone

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2010
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    684
    Location:
    Orlando
    I only have one reactor and can't set up another one. So I have the choice between Carbon, GFO, or Bio Pellets. Which is the most essential to use? I know they all serve a different purpose but just wanted to get some different opinions.
     
    clarky2120, Dec 22, 2011
    clarky2120, Dec 22, 2011
    #1

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  2. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2011
    Messages:
    3,471
    GAC would be top priority, but carbon and GFO can certainly be run in the same reactor. It is theoretically better to use them separately, but many people run them together just fine. Just make sure the flow is slow, probably <100gph through the reactor. I would never run pellets without GAC due bacterial byproducts. I can't vote though, as your poll only allows 1 choice...
     
    m2434, Dec 22, 2011
    m2434, Dec 22, 2011
    #2
  3. djbonney138

    djbonney138 Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    417
    Location:
    Idaho Falls, Id.
    How high are your phosphates? Super high, I would do the gfo and put carbon and bio pellets in separate bags.
     
    djbonney138, Dec 22, 2011
    djbonney138, Dec 22, 2011
    #3
  4. clarky2120

    clarky2120 Bubble Tip Anemone

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2010
    Messages:
    684
    Location:
    Orlando
    Salifert tests 12/19:

    Nitrates: <5
    Phosphates: between .03 & .1 (it's hard to tell the difference in color)
     
    clarky2120, Dec 22, 2011
    clarky2120, Dec 22, 2011
    #4