Help with algae

Where can I buy the media. Could you post a link please?

 

This one looks like a good option. It is pretty cheap and has good reviews. I just use the standard BRS reactor. It does the job.

Here is the media.
BRS Bulk GFO Granular Ferric Oxide - Bulk Reef Supply
You could also use the high capacity stuff, but I just use the regular GFO.

Here is a link to the BRS calculator.
Reef Calculator - Bulk Reef Supply
You will enter your water volume, and it will tell you how much to use. Don't follow this!! I would start out with 1/4 the amount they recommend for a couple reasons.

First, you don't want to shock your corals. Corals don't like phosphate, but more importantly, they don't like rapid changes in the water chemistry. Thus, by using 1/4 the amount, you will be decreasing the phosphate levels more slowly.

Secondly, I never use the amount they recommend. When you use too much, it is harder to get it to tumble in the reactor right. I feel as though I don't get as much out of it when I use a lot. I prefer to use 1/2 the amount they recommend, and just replace it more often. Many people do it this way, but its up to you.

Now how do you know when to replace it? You could invest in a digital phosphate tester. Liquid test kits are useless, and will only tell you when you have a serious problem on your hands. Digital is the way to go. On the other hand, I bought a hanna digital phosphate tester a year or two ago. Honestly, I've used it three times since I have had it. I visually measure phosphate levels by looking at algae growth in the tank. As soon as I see a little bit of algae, I know that the phosphate levels are increasing, and that its time to replace the GFO. Within a few days, the algae dies (I guess it can live for a few days without a source of phosphate).

Depending on how much algae is in the tank, it may take a few weeks to see results. My best guess for why it takes a few weeks is because when the algae dies, all the phosphate and nitrate that they once consumed is being released into the aquarium. Thus, it would probably be a good idea to replace the GFO a few weeks after you first get it up and running.

Good luck, and be sure to let us know how it goes!

 

Thank you Gaby !