What to expect from my Phosban reactor

I'm considering buying a BRS Phosban 150 GFO reactor for my 55 gal reef tank. My question is what can expect from it? I do have hair algae but my phosphates aren't too high the last time I checked. I don't have any tangs to munch away and only a handfull of hermits. Is this a miracle system in which in a matter of weeks all the hair algae and other ugly micro algae will magically disappear?

Thanks

 

Did you tested your nitrates? Also did you read this thread?

http://www.3reef.com/forums/water-chemistry/carbon-dosing-method-testing-started-107232.html

 

Phosphate levels do not need to be very high to cause algae problems. GFO should reduce your phosphate levels to nearly 0.

I don't consider it a miracle cure for algae. When used in combination with herbivores, careful feeding, and manual algae removal (at least initially) it is very effective though.

 

mails,

Thanks for that amazing link. Correct me if I'm wrong but is the most effective method then phospellets rather than GFO?

 

You need to first find the source. How long has the tank been setup? (If it is a new tank it could be part of your cycling phase.) What type of tank is it,( i.e. FOWLR or Reef)? What are your parameters? Where is your setup located? (I ask because if it is in direct sunlight or close that might be the cause.) Just some questions to help you with your situation.

 

+1, also what do you feed? How much do you feed? What is the source of your water (RO/DI, tap, etc)?

GFO will help, but I always prefer to find the source and eliminate it, then use GFO as an upkeep rather than a solution.

 

may be someone more knowledgeable can answer that, I just hooked up my bio pellet reactor recently, need to wait for month or so to see results. currently my nitrates are 80ppm, so expecting it will go down. I am also adding little microbacter 7 to develop bacteria growth faster on BP.

 

The tank has been running for 3 years. It is a 55 gal with 50 lbs LR with softies & LPS's for now. I only have one percula as the sole inhabitant for now. I just switched to T5HO's from CF's so this is certainly adding to more growth. As well I ONLY have 10 blue legs and my plan is to include a tang for munching, and many more reef janitors. I have recently purchased a backpack system from Eco systems using their miracle mud. Have been in contact with Seng Ly. I currently run a Fluval 304 with carbon and media balls, and a Ramora C hang on PS. I have many other tanks in the home as well. I eventually want to add clams and maybe one or 2 SPS's placing them near the top of the water column. I've never used a reactor so my initial question is which system should I use if at ALL. I do use tap water but as I live in British Columbia Canada it is very clean as it is glacial water that comes out of my tap. BUT, I do often also use RO water. I think my issue is that I don't have proper clean up crew members for starters and maybe need to replace carbon which I haven't done in a while. But once I install the Eco miracle mud system, I am supposed to eliminate the canister filter all together.

 

A couple things...You dont have enough live rock. You need at least 1 pound per gallon. Your media balls are a nitrate factory.

I personally wouldn't use any tap water unless it goes through a RO/DI unit. Is your RO unit also DI?

Unless I'm wrong but just because water is a from a glacier doesnt mean it doesnt have phosphates.

A reactor is good even with a fuge system IMO.

Your clean up crew are only there cleaning up errors in your water. We all have problems with our water to a small degree so thats why I would still recommend having the CUC.

The CUC is there to help control minor algae and eat detritus/leftover food. Unfortunately they are not there to fix your algae problems. One thing of note is do you have the right animals that can help manage the type of algae your trying to control. Not all CUC related animals eat the same things.

 

The statement about live rock per gallon I disagree with highly