rowaphos = brand name = $$
gfo = repacked bulk = less $

rowaphos is GFO, base material maybe slight different. but rust is rust.

Packaged products are given to the consumer in different qualities
I've bought GFO that was black and treated me just fine
I've bought GFO that was brown that was terrible to rinse and used up 'way' too much water to rinse

I can't say anything about ROWA, but as I said, I'll find info it I need to back up what I said

Regardless, I prefer HC GFO as it's the easiest to deal with
It's clean enough that it doesn't need much rinsing, and the price is reasonable

+1000 lol

So whats a good name brand HC GFO and where can i get some???

I just tried some HC GFO from concept and it didn't work.... The return line on my reactor was the same PO4 level as the tank water... Skip it, I went back to rowa and my po4 dropped right away!!!

Rowa costs more but it works!!!!

I've never seen any difference in performance between GFO/HC-GFO/Rowaphos. I've also tried phosguard from Seachem and same thing.

One thing I did notice was that Rowaphos didn't seem to boil as easily as GFO. Maybe larger particles or possibly it compacts easier are the reason but GFO did boil better for me.

So to make your own GFO I would need pieces of steel stock, battery charger, lathe, an old pallet, some old t-shirts and a place to do all this! :lol: I think I'll just order some bulk stuff. oh ya that back ground music is :evil: HA HA!
GFO HC seems to be the most popular choice from what I read.

im just trying to find something thats going to work, many people are telling me rowaphos is a waste of money because there are other products out there that do the same thing.

Don't worry so much about choosing the "right" product. Just pick one that you're comfortable with, buy a small container and use it. If it works for you then great, if not you're out $20.

Start with HC-GFO and go from there, it's a good product if you get it from a reputable retailer. Try reefsupplies.ca

for me.....

HC-GFO - Didnt work....
Rowaphos - Did work....

Either way its a $30 adventure.... try both and see what happens. I did and wont waist my money on GFO/HC-GFO again....