Do I need to run GFO/ carbon reactor?

[laZypeter]

Hi, I currently have 75 gallon tank that has been running for about 3 years. I was wondering if it is necessary to run a GFO/Carbon reactor. I have been reading up about them and I have mixed thoughts on what I should do. :crazy: I currently run carbon in a bag and leave it in the sump. I was also wondering how many of you guys do use reactors for biopellets, gfo/carbon, and calcium. I have read up on what what each reactor do, but I am having mixed thoughts on what I should run any in my tank. Any opinions would help me alot, thank you!

 

[LAreefguy]

Hi, I currently have 75 gallon tank that has been running for about 3 years. I was wondering if it is necessary to run a GFO/Carbon reactor. I have been reading up about them and I have mixed thoughts on what I should do. :crazy: I currently run carbon in a bag and leave it in the sump. I was also wondering how many of you guys do use reactors for biopellets, gfo/carbon, and calcium. I have read up on what what each reactor do, but I am having mixed thoughts on what I should run any in my tank. Any opinions would help me alot, thank you!

Hey bud, firstly Id ask you what are you trying to achieve. How high is your phos and nitrate levels? Personally i love bio pellets but that can be very dangerous for a system. Patience is the key when adding them. I don't run carbon as Iv red that it can cause lateral line issues in fish. I just run a big uv.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lowbudget]

with a reactor its more efficient.

 

[Xaznkewlguyx]

I would say if you've been running your tank for 3 years and everything looks fine and happy. Just leave it.

I used to run gfo and carbon in reactors and one summer I took them off to plug in the chiller. Some of
My sps colored up better so I left the reactors offline.

 

[lowbudget]

I would say if you've been running your tank for 3 years and everything looks fine and happy. Just leave it.

I used to run gfo and carbon in reactors and one summer I took them off to plug in the chiller. Some of
My sps colored up better so I left the reactors offline.

also agree if its an't broke dont change it

 

[Blue Ocean Aquariums]

Instead of a bag of carbon you can use some Chemi Pure Blue.. Can change it every 2-4 months.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[e92Monster]

or try running a refugium, i took my gfo reactor offline about a year ago, and replaced it with a fuge. Colors seem better and pods for the tank!!!

 

[innerspark]

Only reason you need to run GFO is if you can't control your PO4. I always run one from the beginning to keep my PO4 in check. Carbon I drop a bag in every now and then but you don't have to run it.

Best advice I can give you is if it's not broken don't fix it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[laZypeter]

Thanks guys, I currently do run a fuge underneath my tank. I am also running a bag of Pure chem Elite, I just have a hard time having my coral grow :/

 

[Reefer6]

Its difficult to chose what your system needs without testing all parameters. Your corals could not be growing because of not enough light, too much light, or kH, Ca, Mg could be not in correct range or even wide temperature swings will bother corals or too much flow.

I like to run carbon on my tanks through a reactor because it's a safety net for the tank incase any heavy metals or cleaning chemical do get in the tank; the carbon will remove it efficiently. Also carbon absorbs organics/toxins that some corals may produce while also making the water super clear which will increase PAR. Just make sure you flush all the carbon dust before putting the effluent in the tank. However, carbon is not needed and you can have a successful reef without it.

 

[jessesoto33]

Only add something if you need it! This goes for calcium/alkaline/magnesium dosing also. If your po4 is low and have no aglae then dont use one "but" buy a reactor anyways just incase you need it in the future.