Question re: GFO/Carbon Reactor

DUPioneers · 12/08/2011, 02:58 PM

Greetings:

I'm in the planning stages of my 180 build and I have a question regarding the best utilization of a GFO/Carbon reactor.

Assuming I plunk down the cash (er...credit) for a GFO/Carbon reactor from BRS, when during the process of new tank set-up should I plumb it in and turn it on?

I mean, do I want to run carbon/GFO while I'm cycling my tank?

What about post-cycle, pre-fish addition, when all that's in there is rock, sand, and my CUC?

Is there anything to be gained (or lost...) by simply plumbing it into my system and running it from the get-go?

Thanks in advance......

aleonn · 12/08/2011, 03:00 PM

I'd save the carbon/GFO until you add fish. It won't hurt anything during the cycle, but it's more a waste of money to use it at this time IMO. I would start bio-pellets during the cycle to seed them, if you were to consider them.

Ron Reefman · 12/08/2011, 03:42 PM

I would plumb it in at the start, plumbing after things are up and running can be a pain. I have a GFO and carbon reactor, but I only put GFO or carbon in them and run them when it is needed. Some people run it all the time, but IMHO, I don't think it is needed if you have a complete and smooth running system. In the 7 years I've been in the hobby I have only run carbon twice and GFO once. I consider them a supplement to having a good skimmer and a refugium with macro algae (and not over feeding).

12/08/2011, 02:58 PM	#1
DUPioneers Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 142	Question re: GFO/Carbon Reactor Greetings: I'm in the planning stages of my 180 build and I have a question regarding the best utilization of a GFO/Carbon reactor. Assuming I plunk down the cash (er...credit) for a GFO/Carbon reactor from BRS, when during the process of new tank set-up should I plumb it in and turn it on? I mean, do I want to run carbon/GFO while I'm cycling my tank? What about post-cycle, pre-fish addition, when all that's in there is rock, sand, and my CUC? Is there anything to be gained (or lost...) by simply plumbing it into my system and running it from the get-go? Thanks in advance......

12/08/2011, 03:42 PM	#3
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	I would plumb it in at the start, plumbing after things are up and running can be a pain. I have a GFO and carbon reactor, but I only put GFO or carbon in them and run them when it is needed. Some people run it all the time, but IMHO, I don't think it is needed if you have a complete and smooth running system. In the 7 years I've been in the hobby I have only run carbon twice and GFO once. I consider them a supplement to having a good skimmer and a refugium with macro algae (and not over feeding). __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

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12/08/2011, 03:00 PM	#2
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	I'd save the carbon/GFO until you add fish. It won't hurt anything during the cycle, but it's more a waste of money to use it at this time IMO. I would start bio-pellets during the cycle to seed them, if you were to consider them.