New to GFO
- Thread starter 1jwampler
- Start date
Also noticed that even running slow output, Full Carbon and Full GFO, that phosphates test (show up in the output). Tank is about .05 - no nitrates, nitrites or ammonia. The reactor output was .025 is this normal or should it be .00? Just in case I changed 100% of the GFO media but, still .025 immediately after.
What test are you using? and make sure not to add more then the suggested amount or it can drop your alk.
I'm running API test kits.
Tested ALK 11 drops to 1st yellow/green so that's 11DKH or 196.9 ppm GH/KH per the instructions.
PH (i know not the best judge of ALK) is 8.2.
Just seems strange the reactor output is not zero.
Not trying for 0 no3 but since the tank is only a month old, no real no3 yet. I', trying for near .025 tank level po4, just perplexed that the reactor is .025, so not sure how it gets the tank from .05 to .025.
Thanks for your input.
Attached pic of the reactor and sumpView attachment 13090
jayjerk
Premium member
Ok maybe I'm not understanding correctly but by your discription the gfo is doing what you want it to do. Lower po4. The reactor output will not be zero if your not using enough media to make it zero
Hmmm... I have seen so many articles on how long GFO should last and how much, but, best guess is about 1 cup per 65 gallons, the BRS reactor holds just less than 3 cups and I used 1 cup on day 1, by the next day output matched tank level .05. So I replaced it and filled it (just less than 3 cups) and ran it for a day before I tested output, which was .025. So... since I didn't test full media when I replaced it, I don't know output level, so I replaced the media again and immediately tested output level and it was .025. So... not sure if I should slow the output down to get to zero or let it do it's thing for a week or so.
jayjerk
Premium member
Interesting...There's no way you need 3 cups of gfo. I used 1/2 a cup on my 150 yo drop just under 2 one hundredths. Can also be flow threw reactor. Gfo should have a slight tumble unlike carbon. Which is y I don't like the brs design. My $0.02
I hate to buy something else, since the BRS is new. Would you suggest slowing it down?
jayjerk
Premium member
Again it's just my opinion based on my researchand trials. Gfo need higher flow than carbon. If you that concerned you can always try the lc route. I've used that and have passed it on to others and all have had success. Lanthium chloride that is.
Yep I agree, I have a Hanna 713 on order. The shades of green are hard to read.
jrpark22000
Premium member
+1, GFO needs a tumble to keep clean and clump free. If GAC is run at the same rate it'll tumble, grind up and be bad for the tank (HLLE for example.)
Since the tank is new, and I don't really have a phosphate problem yet, wouldn't you think LC is a bit the nuclear option?
When I replaced it (after a day) it was clump free. Just curious if anyone is testing GFO output and if they are seeing zero from the reactor. Again, the tank is new, all RO/DI water 1ppm from 1st DI into 2nd DI then 0ppm output on the DI. I used rock from the 57g crash with no light for 30 days, so I'm sure that's the source of the phosphates, but, considering 100lbs of new clean dead rock, I don't see a phosphate problem yet. But... since the 57 crashed, I'm hyper sensitive.
jayjerk
Premium member
I think your approach is nuclear. Your way over thinking this.
Definitely invest in better test kits API the least accurate when I use them they pretty much always read .25. Ive never actually tested the output from my reactor only my tank a day or two after switching gfo if my phos was getting high. Like mentioned earlier you never want everything to be at 0 you need to have a little phos and nit in the tank you just want to keep it low. I switched to Red Sea test kits which will give you a much more accurate level of what your phos actually is. Salifert is also a good brand for test kits.
Sawdonkey
Premium member
The water is not supposed to come out reading Zero after the first pass. It's a continuous process. Just let it run, and your overall PO4 level will gone down. Quit wasting your time testing the water of the reactor output and just let it run. Test your tank water in about a week.
It has nothing to do with your test kit and you're wasting GFO if your throwing it out after one day. It just isn't 100% efficient.
It has nothing to do with your test kit and you're wasting GFO if your throwing it out after one day. It just isn't 100% efficient.
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