GFO Question

jharding08 · 01/15/2016, 02:15 PM

I used GFO in a reactor to get my phosphates to 0. Once they are at 0 should I turn off the GFO?

Indymann99 · 01/15/2016, 02:24 PM

Most people continue to run GFO once they get to 0. you just can go longer between changing the GFO.

scooter31707 · 01/15/2016, 02:26 PM

You can. Some hobbyist leave them running 24/7. I have learned that my corals does not when the phosphate are at 0 in my tank. I try and keep mines around .05 to.10

billdogg · 01/15/2016, 02:31 PM

0.0 should not be the goal. All living creatures need some PO4 to survive. 0.03 is a common target. At least on the Salifert test, that means just barely detectable. Due to several factors (mainly feeding) it is easy to have an excess, so many run it all the time. When mine is where I want it, I run about 1/4 the amount suggested just te keep it in line.

hth

jharding08 · 01/15/2016, 04:13 PM

I see some of my montipora receding with the PO4 at 0. I am trying to feed more, but might also cut the GFO in the reactor by half next time I replace it, then by 1/2 again next time down the line.

I have a frag tank that doesnt run GFO and has higher phosphates and less temperamental corals seem to thrive in there. If I see issues in my display with a coral, I put it in the frag tank to see if more nutrients will help. For most that is the case.

I will work on making the display the happy medium of nutrients.

Will an amino acid supplement help when PO4 is low?

jsspallina · 01/15/2016, 04:28 PM

shut down the gfo after you reach 0.
start it back up once you see algae forming on the glass.

jharding08 · 01/15/2016, 04:37 PM

Does turning GFO off and on have an effect on the corals other than nutrient levels?

01/15/2016, 02:15 PM	#1
jharding08 BlueWorldAquatics.com Join Date: May 2012 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 657	GFO Question I used GFO in a reactor to get my phosphates to 0. Once they are at 0 should I turn off the GFO? __________________ Stats: 180 g Mixed SPS/LPS reef tank, 30 gallon sump, live rock, GFO\Carbon, AquaMaxx AM250 in-sump skimmer, felt filter socks, cleaning crew

01/15/2016, 02:24 PM	#2
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	Most people continue to run GFO once they get to 0. you just can go longer between changing the GFO. __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

01/15/2016, 02:31 PM	#4
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	0.0 should not be the goal. All living creatures need some PO4 to survive. 0.03 is a common target. At least on the Salifert test, that means just barely detectable. Due to several factors (mainly feeding) it is easy to have an excess, so many run it all the time. When mine is where I want it, I run about 1/4 the amount suggested just te keep it in line. hth __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

01/15/2016, 04:13 PM	#5
jharding08 BlueWorldAquatics.com Join Date: May 2012 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 657	I see some of my montipora receding with the PO4 at 0. I am trying to feed more, but might also cut the GFO in the reactor by half next time I replace it, then by 1/2 again next time down the line. I have a frag tank that doesnt run GFO and has higher phosphates and less temperamental corals seem to thrive in there. If I see issues in my display with a coral, I put it in the frag tank to see if more nutrients will help. For most that is the case. I will work on making the display the happy medium of nutrients. Will an amino acid supplement help when PO4 is low? __________________ Stats: 180 g Mixed SPS/LPS reef tank, 30 gallon sump, live rock, GFO\Carbon, AquaMaxx AM250 in-sump skimmer, felt filter socks, cleaning crew

01/15/2016, 04:37 PM	#7
jharding08 BlueWorldAquatics.com Join Date: May 2012 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 657	Does turning GFO off and on have an effect on the corals other than nutrient levels? __________________ Stats: 180 g Mixed SPS/LPS reef tank, 30 gallon sump, live rock, GFO\Carbon, AquaMaxx AM250 in-sump skimmer, felt filter socks, cleaning crew Last edited by jharding08; 01/15/2016 at 04:43 PM.

01/15/2016, 02:26 PM	#3
scooter31707 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Virginia Posts: 4,971	You can. Some hobbyist leave them running 24/7. I have learned that my corals does not when the phosphate are at 0 in my tank. I try and keep mines around .05 to.10

01/15/2016, 04:28 PM	#6
jsspallina Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 58	shut down the gfo after you reach 0. start it back up once you see algae forming on the glass.