Phosban VS GFO
- Thread starter ReeferMatt
- Start date
I do both carbon and GFO, and like them in seperate chambers since GFO is changed monthly, and carbon bi-weekly. Michael's bag way would work too. I also buy the high capacity (HC) GFO from Bulk Reef Supply. Reason to spend the extra $ is HC GFO is rechargable. The normal GFO breaks down to much. I've used GFO 7x already, really saves on long term costs as you'll spend more on that then the reactor itself. Good luck
I heard something about baking gfo in the oven, is this the HC GFO?
" Despite popular belief, carbon does not need to be placed in a canister filter or a compartment where all tank water passes through it. Dropping a mesh bag full of carbon into the sump works fine. This is because carbon works by electrically attracting particles- it is not an inert mechanical filter. Studies have shown that bags of carbon in a sump with moderate flow removes substantial quantities of organic pollutants, medications, and heavy metals. Actual performance depends on the flowability of the bag material. It is most effective if you use a media bag with the largest possible hole sizes but small enough where the carbon cannot escape"
" Despite popular belief, carbon does not need to be placed in a canister filter or a compartment where all tank water passes through it. Dropping a mesh bag full of carbon into the sump works fine. This is because carbon works by electrically attracting particles- it is not an inert mechanical filter. Studies have shown that bags of carbon in a sump with moderate flow removes substantial quantities of organic pollutants, medications, and heavy metals. Actual performance depends on the flowability of the bag material. It is most effective if you use a media bag with the largest possible hole sizes but small enough where the carbon cannot escape"
I researched and read a really long thread on RC - basically it uses 4 heaping plastic tea spoons of Lye (I first used drain cleaner, the 100% pure kind from Home Depo; later bought Lye on-line). Mix 4 cups of GFO (exhausted), with 1/2L of water, and 4 teaspoons of Lye. Mix around for a few days, rinse really well with water (RO in all cases) and ta-da, it's regenerated. The article says use a reactor, but I use an old plastic coffe can, this leaves me room to swish it arround several times a day. Alot of folks complained about the pumps buring out quick with the base of the Lye. I feel the article uses way more water then needed... but that's just my opinion.
http://www.coralmagazine-us.com/content/foiling-phosphate
I think lanthanum looks like a solid approach for phosphate reduction. If I run into an ongoing phosphate issue again, I will do use it without question. I had researched and planned to try it, then started anew with my rock. I ran in circles getting phosphate out of the source of my system (old tank rock), after installing RODI then vinegar washing everything I had that touched water but still seeing it in my test results.
The benefit is that it precipitates phosphate immediately, so it can be caught in a sock filter and exported immediately. GFO etc just binds it, although can be an export method but is extremely expensive as one in comparison to lanthanum. Lanthanum can also pull out phosphates lightning fast compared to GFO or macroalgae - it's as simple as dosing and removing the resulting precipitate. For example, dripping it in the skimmer intake then adding a sock to the output.
Just a thought...
I think lanthanum looks like a solid approach for phosphate reduction. If I run into an ongoing phosphate issue again, I will do use it without question. I had researched and planned to try it, then started anew with my rock. I ran in circles getting phosphate out of the source of my system (old tank rock), after installing RODI then vinegar washing everything I had that touched water but still seeing it in my test results.
The benefit is that it precipitates phosphate immediately, so it can be caught in a sock filter and exported immediately. GFO etc just binds it, although can be an export method but is extremely expensive as one in comparison to lanthanum. Lanthanum can also pull out phosphates lightning fast compared to GFO or macroalgae - it's as simple as dosing and removing the resulting precipitate. For example, dripping it in the skimmer intake then adding a sock to the output.
Just a thought...
I personally drip lanthanum once a month before I change out my GFO. I put 5ml into 2 lts of water, and drip it over a period of a day, into a 5 micron sock. I have to change the sock 2-3x since it gunks up, but I wash them seperately with bleach (sometime soak in peroixide too) and reuse. Your alk will take a hit, so I buffer it to 10dkh before I drip.
On topic, I also read that Phosban can be regenerated, but you have to buy thier product. Never tried it so I can't say if it works or is economical. Good luck.
On topic, I also read that Phosban can be regenerated, but you have to buy thier product. Never tried it so I can't say if it works or is economical. Good luck.