is it overkill to do GFO and Carbon and Bio Pellets

[RVJ]

Please help me out with this. Is it over kill, is it not enough or just right?

 

[oredith]

kinda depends on your bioload.

i run all 3, but very very small quantities of each, and at low tumble.

they'll all require some degree of dialing in.

 

[Logan killer]

No GFO if your running biopellets. I don't like biopellets with all the horror story out there.

 

[BeanMachine]

No GFO if your running biopellets. I don't like biopellets with all the horror story out there.

Not necessarily. Biopellets are more efficient in removing nitrates than phosphates so there would be times you may need to run both depending on the system.

 

[RVJ]

kinda depends on your bioload.

i run all 3, but very very small quantities of each, and at low tumble.

they'll all require some degree of dialing in.

OK...got it

No GFO if your running biopellets. I don't like biopellets with all the horror story out there.

What horror stories?



So how does each one work?

 

[pgr11]

I've run both no issues. I actually noticed I had a small spike it phosphate so I'm gonna put some rowa online to take care of it

 

[SchnitzelReef]

I run bio pellets and still run gfo. BUT I don't run gfo 24/7, I only run it when my phosphates start creeping up. I feed a lot of pellets, so phosphates are an issue even with bio pellets. I don't run carbon all the time, I don't think it's necessary. I'll run carbon for a week every month or two.

 

[Zoarder]

Each has its own purpose, it all depends on your system and bio load since we have different tanks. The bio pellets for me work great and help my skimmer. Carbon in case there is some chemical warfare. And GFO for phosphates. Test you water and you'll know what you need.

 

[thedevilscandy]

I use all 3. I have a pretty hefty bioload though. It really depends on your tank. I have a lot of fish and I keep them well fed so I use all 3 plus PhosE. Biopellets are cool, but if you start with too much at once you might run into problems. I had a small cyano outbreak when I doubled my pellets, nothing major though. Biopellets and GFO are for nitrates and phosphates, carbon for impurities and clarity.

 

[RVJ]

So basically small and slow quantities in each. They will all have valves so i can shut on/off as needed.

If this is for a new build, then should i keep them off till i build a bio load....as im going to be going thru cycle.