Anyone want to assess my tank?

Delphinus · #1 12-01-2012, 01:27 AM

Here's my thought .... I bet it is PO4. Biopellets apparently can only reduce PO4 as long there is NO3 alongside. PO4 is also very difficult to test, but it does inhibit calcification which turns into recession fairly easily.

For me PO4 is a constant battle. I use a cup of high capacity gfo per week in my 280, and if I miss a week I notice immediate effects.

I suggest adding some gfo for now and see what happens. It can't hurt..

paddyob · #2 12-01-2012, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Here's my thought .... I bet it is PO4. Biopellets apparently can only reduce PO4 as long there is NO3 alongside. PO4 is also very difficult to test, but it does inhibit calcification which turns into recession fairly easily.

For me PO4 is a constant battle. I use a cup of high capacity gfo per week in my 280, and if I miss a week I notice immediate effects.

I suggest adding some gfo for now and see what happens. It can't hurt..

Instead of pellets?

nerdz · #3 12-01-2012, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddyob

Instead of pellets?

Im sure he means IN ADDITION to pellets

paddyob · #4 12-01-2012, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nerdz

Im sure he means IN ADDITION to pellets

I'm only running two reactors and carbon is one thing I never remove. Bag ?

warriorcookie · #5 12-01-2012, 02:46 AM

I would put the carbon in a bag (preferably in an area of upward flow) and gfo in the reactor.

The Grizz · #6 12-01-2012, 03:09 AM

I know Kien runs pellets, GFO & carbon all at once. Try to keep it simple, maintain your levels, change out you media on regular intervals & be patient.

I know it's not much for advise but it's the best I have at the moment.

kien · #7 12-01-2012, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Grizz

I know Kien runs pellets, GFO & carbon all at once. Try to keep it simple, maintain your levels, change out you media on regular intervals & be patient.

I know it's not much for advise but it's the best I have at the moment.

I heard the same thing Greg. Apparently when Kien tried to run just pellets and carbon he would still get a fairly significant PO4 reading (Hanna checker). He concluded that bioPellets alone were not stripping PO4 fast enough so he runs GFO religiously. No more Po4 issues.

Every tank is different tho. I know plenty of people running pellets without any PO4 issues as well.. But then again I also know people who don't apply anything additional to just water changes. Grrrrrr! This hobby can be so annoying!