GFO without a reactor?

[msk007]

For me, it took a good 4 weeks for the GFO to get my phosphates down to undetectable! IMO, 4 days is just the start! Initially, you may need to replace the GFO every week, as it can deplete it's phosphate binding ability quickly if the phosphates in your system are really high. Once you get your phosphates to the desired level, the GFO can then last up to a month before needing replaced. HTH!

About a month later now, have reactor running 24/7 and the sock in the belly... Still at 10ppm... I've added some macro algae, no difference, changed from PhosGuard pellets after 2 weeks to PhosBan (GFO) b/c the LFS said they've been getting lots of reports that the PhosGuard wasn't working... Slowly creeping down now after 2 weeks it seems, as the tests don't seem to be AS dark, though still looking like 10ppm.

[AZDesertRat]

GFO works slowly which is a good thing so you don't shock your system, remember all good things take time, only bad things happen quickly.

While you can run GFO in a bag it is not as effective since it does not fluidize the medi as evenly. You should not place it in high flow areas also since it will grind itself to dust causing a whole othe rset of problems. Low to medium flow so it is not agitated. I do not mix GFO and carbon since they both have different useful lives and different flow requirements, I keep separate reactors. When mixed you either waste the GFO or extend the carbon past its useful life since GFO lasts longer than carbon once you have the phosphates in check and are using it for maintenance or a preventive measure.

There are only two major manufacturers or ferric oxide media in the world so chances are 75-90% of it comes from Bayer Chemical, possibly via Severn Trent since they sell most of it at the wholesale level to the vendors. Some have different grain sizes and some are pelletized which I prefer myself as it does not clump as bad and is not as messy.

[msk007]

While you can run GFO in a bag it is not as effective since it does not fluidize the medi as evenly. You should not place it in high flow areas also since it will grind itself to dust causing a whole othe rset of problems. Low to medium flow so it is not agitated.

Sorry I wasn't more clear. I'm running it in a bag in the sump belly AND in a reactor. I know it's slow... Today we're finally down to 8ppm! I'm hoping by March to be at ~0 and be ready to start adding corals!