GFO, granular size differences

BeachVacationer · 05/13/2016, 03:47 PM

I'm new to reefing and my first purchase of GFO was Seachem's PhosNet. It's almost like fine powder and it leaks out of the fine mesh bag that I put it in. Is there another good quality GFO that isn't so fine yet still does a great job? Thanks.

Vinny Kreyling · 05/13/2016, 04:57 PM

Better off with a reactor than a bag.

BeachVacationer · 05/13/2016, 05:29 PM

Yes, but it's a 5 gallon nano.

Reef Frog · 05/13/2016, 06:17 PM

I've used Phosban, BRS & Aquamaxx brands. All are good but the Phosban is the most expensive & offers no extra benefits. All GFO requires a thorough rinsing to remove dust and fines. High capacity GFO has a little lest dust.

If used in a bag you need to use one with a fine mesh. Maybe you're using the wrong bag. Using filter floss along with your bag may help also.

BeachVacationer · 05/13/2016, 07:00 PM

Hi reef frog, thanks for your help. Which of those you mentioned is the most coarse? Or are they all the same fineness?

Reef Frog · 05/13/2016, 09:37 PM

You're welcome.

The granules all look very similar in size to me. But all have some fines and the only way to get rid of it for a bag user is a thorough washing. The phosban and Aquamaxx high capacity seemed to wash clean the easiest, but not by much.

I think your problem may be a bag with mesh holes that or too big and/or not a thorough enough washing.

05/13/2016, 03:47 PM	#1
BeachVacationer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 546	GFO, granular size differences I'm new to reefing and my first purchase of GFO was Seachem's PhosNet. It's almost like fine powder and it leaks out of the fine mesh bag that I put it in. Is there another good quality GFO that isn't so fine yet still does a great job? Thanks.

05/13/2016, 04:57 PM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Better off with a reactor than a bag. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

05/13/2016, 05:29 PM	#3
BeachVacationer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 546	Yes, but it's a 5 gallon nano.

05/13/2016, 06:17 PM	#4
Reef Frog Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,121	I've used Phosban, BRS & Aquamaxx brands. All are good but the Phosban is the most expensive & offers no extra benefits. All GFO requires a thorough rinsing to remove dust and fines. High capacity GFO has a little lest dust. If used in a bag you need to use one with a fine mesh. Maybe you're using the wrong bag. Using filter floss along with your bag may help also.

05/13/2016, 07:00 PM	#5
BeachVacationer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 546	Hi reef frog, thanks for your help. Which of those you mentioned is the most coarse? Or are they all the same fineness?

05/13/2016, 09:37 PM	#6
Reef Frog Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,121	You're welcome. The granules all look very similar in size to me. But all have some fines and the only way to get rid of it for a bag user is a thorough washing. The phosban and Aquamaxx high capacity seemed to wash clean the easiest, but not by much. I think your problem may be a bag with mesh holes that or too big and/or not a thorough enough washing.