GFO constantly?

For people using GFO, do you run it constantly or only as needed? I just started GFO in a reactor last week and am curious as to how different people use it. Thanks!

 

I use it constantly because no matter how thorough you are phos still can be introduced to the tank so it is a great preventative measure.

 

I use it constantly. Once you have it under control you can cut the amount down to a maintenance dose, maybe 1/2 the recommended amount just like you start out with in the beginning.

 

I use it constantly

 

24/7 , 365 for me over last couple of years

I like to get it into the system, before corals are added
I dont think of GFO as a cure
I think of it as a preventative measure

Steve

 

You're really supposed to run it constantly. Otherwise, any phosphates that end up being unbound and released into the water (for example, via a fish pooping or the breakdown of a bit of leftover food) will likely be removed by algae before the GFO.

Also, if GFO isn't being moved while it's in water, it clumps together into a solid brick.

 

My reactor has about two inches of GFO, but I'd say the top inch is what is tumbling.

 

Depending on the size of your tank you may want to either cut the amount in half or get a more powerful pump if you have to use that much. The real idea is to have a "gentle tumble" of all the media for best results.

 

You only want the top inch to tumble. There is really no benefit to excess tumbling you just want to make sure it dosn't collapse and form a solid mass. If the top inch is tumbling, this is usually fine.

I definitely run 24/7. Feeding can add significant PO4. Even if your near 0ppm, a single feeding can bring you up many times past the recommended .03ppm level. So, IMO, it is not possible to keep levels reasonably low without some means of active PO4 reduction.

 

I follow the BRS reef calculator which says .63 cup for 40g of total water which seems like a lot when I put it in my reactor. I just wish GFO was as cheap as carbon.