Dreaded GFO sediment

What are the natural alternatives? I don't particularly like using bio pellets.
When I said 'filter media' I was referring to filter floss, sponges and sock. Couldn't get the words out properly.
I didnt put in the skimmer till now becuase the tank is still in its cycle and I was waiting till I could get a better one like reef octopus or along those lines.

 

You may not like my opinion, but sometimes people choose an option and want to use it. Some people, that's all they have and don't have time to develop another filtration setup, natural or otherwise. With so many ways to skin a cat with this hobby, GFO isn't going anywhere. People are going to use it, because it's available and may be what they like to use on their tank. It's the same with biopellets, zeovit, etc, people find something they want to use for their reasons and telling them not to use it doesn't help the original problem.

The 2 mains faults (that I see to op's issue)

1. no carbon (this would have helped clear up the excessive GFO dust)
2. no skimmer (this would have also helped remove the excessive GFO dust)
-2a. some fresh filter socks could also have helped some as well.

I would imagine with carbon and a skimmer setup, things will clear up in short time.

This is one of those lessons that could be learned the first time. However, easier said than done. GFO is dusty and a PIA to work with, however, when done with the appropriate criteria to contain the dust, it can be a viable phosphate reducer.

The reason I like my GFO/Carbon reactor is that it's mobile. I can move it from system to system as needed. I have never run GFO full time on a system.

However, to Todd's point. Yes, I agree that there's different ways of filtration and if GFO was never invented (hehe, inventing rust) we would be just fine with the alternatives.

Todd, question to your post. Are you suggestion there are natural ways to get rid of the GFO or are you commenting on just general filtration?

 

Todd, question to your post. Are you suggestion there are natural ways to get rid of the GFO or are you commenting on just general filtration?[/QUOTE]

More on natural ways/methods of filtration/phos/nitrate removal.

The top of the list IMHO is
- LR
- Macro algae (and/or ATS- which I believe is macro)
- reasonable % WC's

And I personally have NO experience is running GFO, and/or Bio Pellets
So one could say (as usual?) I don't know what I'm talking about?

 

I'm running chaeto in the sump for now and I plan on doing 50 gallon water changes weekly or biweekly.

 

Todd, nobody said you don't know what you're talking about. :/

IMO your list is solid on filtration. A protein skimmer could also be argued as a natural way to filter as well, albeit mechanically induced natural process.
Everything has a pro/con and every system is somewhat different. That's the short of my point, I'm not calling anyone out or anything.

Sidd, that sounds like a good plan.

 

Have to jump in the anti GFO bandwagon. Itried it on my reef a few years back and my corals neevr looked worse. I never had any real algae problems either but after I started GFO cyano became a hgue problem for me and I eventually took it offline. I am a big believer in carbon though, I dont used ROX or anything that powerful but some simple ligite carbon at about a tablespoon per 6 gallons works fine.

A skimmer is 100% natural, the waves crashing on the beach is natures protein skimmer. If you buy enough powerheads you can have a natural wave skimmer as well but the tank might not hold up and if ti does the inahbitants would not be too happy lol.

 

I use phosban. Very little sediment. Quick rinse and done. Funny it's warm to the touch when wet
I get algae on the sand every couple of days with running GFO. Frustrating. Don't know how to keep super clear water and no algae. I only have 3 fish in my 90g


For carbon I use Purigen. Works good.

 

I didn't realize that phosban was better in the sediment category. I just split a bulk order with a buddy.

How do you like your Purigen? That takes care of nitrates as well, correct? Do you recharge your purigen? I've been thinking about buying a container of purigen just to be able to recharge and not just throw carbon away...

 

Thanks Matt/Zesty,
That's not really what I meant, I meant that because I have never used/ran GFO or BP- I have no first hand knowledge about those ;-).
If I had left out a Protein Skimmer- I of course advocate that as well- and as you know I of course run one 24/7.

Good thread folks, good info here

 

yeah I just recharged it for the 3rd time. All my levels are good so I assume it works after recharge. Its white so you can see when it’s time to recharge. After recharge its back to pure white. I have 1 bag in my sump and 1 bag in my canister filter. Have the canister from my previous tank so I added it for extra filtration. Also with these bag they are only as good as the water passing through it....not around it. So the canister is perfect.
Phosban I have to replace but Purigen I recharge. Phosban was literally one rinse to get all the sediment out. I ran 5 gallons through to be safe but it was clear almost right away.
Easy to recharge. Soak with bleach and water for 24 hours. Rinse really well. I let soak another 12-24 hours. Done.