Do you run carbon, GFO, or both?

[clowninaround7474]

Been doing a lot of reading and was curious as to what everyone runs on their system.

1. Do you run carbon? If so, how often? 24/7/365 or occasionally?

2. Do you run GFO? If so, how often? 24/7/365 or occasionally?

3. Do you run them together in a reactor or separate?

Just curious as to the results some of you have had with different combinations of these.

Right now I run a small amount (1/2 of the BRS calculated dose) if carbon through a reactor. Running it 24/7.


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[SynDen]

I used to run Carbon, and GFO or Rowa in media bags in a highflow area next to the skimmer, but I recently upgraded to the BRS dual GFO and Carbon reactor, and I have always run them 24/7

 

[DyM]

I used to run Carbon, and GFO or Rowa in media bags in a highflow area next to the skimmer, but I recently upgraded to the BRS dual GFO and Carbon reactor, and I have always run them 24/7

+1 BRS dual reactor - 24x7

 

[Blindrage]

I use a Next Reef Reactor, and run carbon in the bottom between two sponges so it can not roll, then run GFO on the top so it fluidizes well. I run both 24-7, and swap them every 3-4 weeks normally.

 

[sethsolomon]

I run carbon only after I have treated for something and only for 2 days after the treatment. Otherwise I don't use either.

 

[BryanF]

I used to run Carbon, and GFO or Rowa in media bags in a highflow area next to the skimmer, but I recently upgraded to the BRS dual GFO and Carbon reactor, and I have always run them 24/7

I also use the brs dual reactor on both tanks (24/7). I find them very easy to use!

 

[opakapaka]

I only run brs GFO reactor 24x7

 

[jda123]

I will run some carbon from time to time - somewhat random. I never use any GFO.

 

[Munch]

I used to run carbon and GFO in the BRS single unit. However, recently I stopped the GFO and increased Alk, and my stuff has never looked better.

Not sure if the reason is the stoppage of the GFO, or more stable Alk (Alk would be my guess).

 

[Jeremiah]

I run both GFO/Carbon 24/7 in the same reactor not separated. I let them tumble ever so slightly.

 

[clowninaround7474]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I started running GFO and carbon mixed together like the demonstrate on BRS. Not even 1/2 the recommended amounts to not change parameters too much too fast.

So far everything seems happy and the water is crystal clear. The glass is also staying much cleaner (I was struggling with this having to clean 2-3x per day).

Thanks again for the feedback.


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[Dr.DiSilicate]

imo running gfo depends on your habits and should only be run when needed. I'd start with 1/2 or less the recommended amount, as others have stated. Lowering phosphate too quickly can so bad things! Also, the lower your phosphates and such with too high an alk can cause problems.