New GFO and Carbon Setup

[dhutcheson]

I have just set up to run GFO and Carbon on my 150. I have introduced the GFO slowly adding about 1/2 a gram per gallon to start and will then move to the recommended 1 gram per gallon. I am also running the Carbon at 1/2 of what is recommended as well. Both are being ran through reactors using Maxi Jet 1200 pumps and the flow adjusted accordingly.

Now for those that run both in that a correct amount of media? What is the correct amount and what are some signs that could be a warning of a potential problem?

 

[EvilMel]

Why are you running GFO? Are you having algae issues?

 

[ritter6788]

I always used less than the recommended amount. I over did it a couple of times and lost some sps, mostly montiporas and birdsnests, looked like alk burn. My LPS started to lose color also. I think GFO should be used in very small amounts and changed frequently or use for short periods of time to correct phosphate issues.

 

[WillKatt]

Hmmm not to hijack this thread, but I have experienced much of the symptoms ritter6788 meantioned above on my 28g. I run GFO 24-7 about 5-7 TBS in a reactor with carbon changed every two weeks. I know I have never had a serious alk issue so alk burn should not be playing a part. This makes me wonder if the GFO could be the issue? I have had algae issue in the past but none for a long while now. Heck I only have to scrape my glass once every week or so.

I'ts always made sense to me to keep phosphae as low as possible and the only way I could ever keep the PO4 at or below .003 ppm was to constantly run GFO. Sorry Im mostly thinking outloud on my keyboard and am thinking about cutting my GFO down after reading this.

 

[dhutcheson]

Currently using the GFO is to pull down so elevated phosphates but not terrible. I may go ahead and turn it off tonight. I have been running since Sat. and go ahead check my water parameters is there issues with running carbon as a chemical filter 24/7 ?