GFO tumbling question

[ksicard]

Hello,
I have a 75g DT with a 35g frag tank plumbed into it and I'm using a BRS GFO reactor along with BRS high capacity GFO. I'm trying to correct an algae problem and i'm not sure if im running my reactor properly. I tried googling how much flow to put in a GFO reactor and I got mixed reviews where some people say just to have the top of the gfo tumbling while others had the entire reactor tumbling. I checked my po4 yesterday because I switched from the normal GFO to the high capacity gfo to get my phosphates even lower and I was at 0.08ppm with 1 cup of high capacity GFO which is well above the recommended dosage. I felt that the reading was high because I figures the algae would be consuming the po4 as well so my true po4 level was probably higher.

Basically my problem is that I cant get the entire reactor tumbling if I put more then 3/4 cup of GFO in the reactor anything above that and only the top layer will tumble. I'm using a mag 5 pump on the reactor and I would think that would be plenty of flow. Can anyone tell me exactly how the GFO is suppose to tumble in order to get the proper use out of it? I'm not sure at this point what kind of tumbling action that I would want.

[mypepper]

As long as the top layer of your GFO bed is tumbling lightly, your in good shape. That's the way I have my BRS GFO unit running right now. The tumbling movement is kind of like the sulfur beds in Yellowstone National Park, a slight bubbling action.

Thanks,
Randy

[ksicard]

So it does not matter if 80-90% of the gfo isn't tumbling just the top layer?

[d2mini]

Correct, there should just be a slight rolling boil of the very top layer. You don't want the gfo bouncing around, rubbing, etc because it will break down. You just want enough water moving through it to keep it fluffed up and slightly moving so it doesn't turn into a solid piece of rock. You should see the whole thing rise/expand slightly when turning on your flow. And the top layer should have a rolling wave look to it. If GFO is breaking loose and rising farther in the reactor you need to turn down the flow.

[ksicard]

Thank you for clairifying. That helps a lot.

[wddamf]

If my GFO has begun to solidify, is it still usable if I break it up or is it ruined and I need to change it?

Thanks!

[Sandrock.e46]

Originally Posted by wddamf

If my GFO has begun to solidify, is it still usable if I break it up or is it ruined and I need to change it?

Thanks!

I Usually just change mine... When it does solidify I notice my glass gets dirty faster

[MRJ]

Anything not moving slowly will turn into a brick. You gotta mod the reactor for it to work right. I used a steak knife and ran it through the bottom teeth to allow better flow but not enough to let the media fill through also the top can have some layers removed for better flow. But you want a gentle tumble of it all not just some of it because after a few weeks it's changed. If your not getting proper tumble use less media. No need to use more than needed.

[nuxx]

Originally Posted by mypepper

as long as the top layer of your gfo bed is tumbling lightly, your in good shape.

+1

[Buzz1329]

Originally Posted by nuxx

+1

No offense, but sez who? Seems to me that in typical reactor water flows through GFO whether a portion of it is tumbling or not. So who sez tumbling improves performance?

Just asking,

Mike

[007Bond]

Question for you guys,...I'm looking for some info on gfo passive use. I read somewhere that guys put it in a chamber of their sump in a bag where the flow of water passes through it,...yes/no,...will just turn into a brick? Thanks in advance.

[koidealer]

I used passive but didn't really see much results. Maybe to much and didnt flow "through" properly. I eventually bought a BRS GFO chamber and have been very happy with it.