Running GFO

[Bryan47]

So I'm having a little bit of a diatom issue mainly because my tank is new. However I am only running an emperor 400 and I am not using rodi yet so I would like to run GFO. My tank is a 55. How would I go about using GFO? I've never actually heard of it and I'm surprised given all the research I've done. Just shows you cant know everything and that's why these forums are so valuable.

[Vinny Kreyling]

The best way is to use a reverse flow reactor like the 2 Littlefishies one.
It should "tumble" slightly, just enough so the surface moves.
A powerhead is needed to run it since you don't have a sump.
Everything can be bought @ your favorite store, or online if they don't have them.

[Bryan47]

I have a powerhead. I'll just have to get the reactor. There's some type of gfo reactor in BRS for like the daily sale. Is that what I need?

[mcgyvr]

And your phosphate level is?
How new is new?

In general most "new tank" issues will just go away on their own as the tank matures..

and of course..
Why not spend the money on proper equipment (RO/DI) vs spending it on equipment/chemicals to fix the fact you don't have proper equipment ...

[Bryopsis]

A gfo reactor is well worth the money. Some discourage use of it, but it's another tool to help prevent things from happening.

But definitely get an rodi unit asap.
One thing you can do to alleviate the stupid prices, buy individual canisters and then the .5 micron sediment filter, and .5 micron carbon, get your ro filter, and enough bulk di resin to fill 2 canisters.

Then to help prevent silica from slipping through the system, move the 2nd di chamber to the first when it starts to show tds between them. (using only 1 di canister will allow silica to slip past into your fresh water)

[Bryan47]

Thanks guys! An rodi unit it is.