What is the best media for reactor?

Discussion in 'Algae' started by Kevin_E, Apr 22, 2013.

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  1. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    It seems as if GFO is being used less and less in this hobby due to algal issues from the iron. What are people using now for nitrate/phosphate control?

    Thanks.
     
    Kevin_E, Apr 22, 2013
    Kevin_E, Apr 22, 2013
    #1

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  2. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

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    Im running Bio pellets. However, they arent recommended for everyone. I also just run carbon and change it out monthly
     
    skurious, Apr 22, 2013
    skurious, Apr 22, 2013
    #2
  3. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    What are the downsides to bio pellets?
     
    Kevin_E, Apr 22, 2013
    Kevin_E, Apr 22, 2013
    #3
  4. chum

    chum Coral Banded Shrimp

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    gfo causes algea ? i have been using phosban to lower my phosphates to get rid of algae. i use the aquaripure nitrate filter that works great.
     
    chum, Apr 22, 2013
    chum, Apr 22, 2013
    #4
  5. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Yeah, I've seen a few people post that they think the GFO has provided an iron source for algae. I don't know how accurate that observation is, however.
     
    Kevin_E, Apr 22, 2013
    Kevin_E, Apr 22, 2013
    #5
  6. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

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    Some Cons:

    Need great skimmer to be effective.
    Can shock the system if done to an established reef
    Can overdose and nuke tank
    Need good flow for good gas exchange The bacteria uses O2


    I dont know if I would clasify them as cons really, just precautions.
     
    skurious, Apr 22, 2013
    skurious, Apr 22, 2013
    #6

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  7. reefer Bob

    reefer Bob Montipora Digitata

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    I've been wondering the same thing. I bought a reactor for cheap & I'm not sure if I even want to install it. Been hearing to many stories lately. Haha
     
    reefer Bob, Apr 22, 2013
    reefer Bob, Apr 22, 2013
    #7
  8. chum

    chum Coral Banded Shrimp

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    that sucks, i might unhook mine tonight unless anyone else has input. i have been fighting hair algae for awhile.
     
    chum, Apr 22, 2013
    chum, Apr 22, 2013
    #8
  9. rcflyer1388

    rcflyer1388 Bubble Tip Anemone

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    I just installed my BRS reactor for mix GFO/carbon about 2 weeks ago. my water quality improved in many ways and also now I got this brown algae growing which the snails and crabs don't like lol. I'm giving it a bit more time to see what happens and then I might convert it to a bio pellet reactor. My set up is still very young, only 7 months. Also sorry for raiding the thread, but when everyone says you need a good protein skimmer for pellets, this is for the o2 exchange or for the skimmer to pull the nastiness out that the pellets are creating??
    Dave
     
    rcflyer1388, Apr 22, 2013
    rcflyer1388, Apr 22, 2013
    #9
  10. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

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    The skimmer does both...it pulls the organics, and provides o2 exchange.
     
    skurious, Apr 22, 2013
    skurious, Apr 22, 2013
    #10
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