need help on decision to get a gfo reactor

[paul]

I'm thinking of getting a BRS gfo and carbon reactor for a small tank. I'm curious if I would even need it and what it exactly does.

[ramsey]

What size tank? GFO absorbs phosphates so you'd use it if you have high phosphates (don't over do it). Carbon filters organics and will make your water clearer (if your water's yellow). It will also absorb other contaminants in the water.

[FireWater]

I would ask what size tank as well. The BRS filters are the same size as a RODI canister. Matter of fact that is what they are.
For my 120 I think I am running less than a cup of gfo. It looks like I am using a semi to haul a package of cotton balls. There are lots of different reactors out there to choose from.

Innovative has some smaller scale ones that look promising.

[350gt]

I bought my next reef MR1 from elegant........



They have a shorty model for smaller tanks....
very well made stuff!....

[DBR]

It looks like I am using a semi to haul a package of cotton balls.

Nothing wrong with that! :thumbs_up:

[FireWater]

If you have the room go for it. Lol.

[rrasco]

GFO removes phosphates.

GAC removes impurities skimming can't. It will also 'polish' the water and make it clear(er).

I will say you definitely are better off starting with these things, GFO at least, before you accumulate phosphates. It's much easier to prevent algae from the start than to get rid of it later.

I have the BRS dual reactor, works well. Although, I kind of wish they were separate.

[350gt]

I stopped using carbon and haven't noticed any differences, except that my skimmer pulls out more stuff...

[Big_Pun]

ok depending on size of your tank you could get away with a bag of chemi pure elite, i ran it for years on my smaller systems and it did well along with small weekly water changes. some info on your system will help us, size of tank, what filtration you are useing,(skimmer, sump, refugium)

[rrasco]

I stopped using carbon and haven't noticed any differences, except that my skimmer pulls out more stuff...

I'm not running carbon right now either.

[350gt]

I'm not running carbon right now either.


And I just bought a pound of the good stuff(ROX) from Louis..... Unsure if I will use it....


would like to see if it does help....

[Big_Pun]

I'm not running carbon right now either.


I stopped using carbon and haven't noticed any differences, except that my skimmer pulls out more stuff...
same here, i havent used in in a year. tossed in a grande bag of regular chemi pure yesterday to see if will make a diff had it laying around

[EpicWin]

My brs reactors were junk. They would run fine for a few days after changing media and then clog. Don't waste your money. Get the next mr1. Also I ended up not running gfo at all after it caused more problems then it fixed.

[rrasco]

I keep ROX on hand in case, but other than super polished water, I have not noticed any difference. I am always weary of allelopathy though.

Next time I'm going to try the HC GFO, the low cap works but if the results could be even better, why not?

[Big_Pun]

I'm not running carbon right now either.


I stopped using carbon and haven't noticed any differences, except that my skimmer pulls out more stuff...


I keep ROX on hand in case, but other than super polished water, I have not noticed any difference. I am always weary of allelopathy though.

Next time I'm going to try the HC GFO, the low cap works but if the results could be even better, why not?

high cap is the only gfo i use, the low cap is ok but runs out so fast

[ramsey]

I'd check out the Innovative Marine full sized reactor they're coming out with. I just got the mini-max for my nano and it's way nicer than the nextreef reactors. I like the nextreef reactors as well, but the design on the IM reactors is well, innovative. It makes adjusting flow and changing out media super simple.

[EpicWin]

I'd check out the Innovative Marine full sized reactor they're coming out with. I just got the mini-max for my nano and it's way nicer than the nextreef reactors. I like the nextreef reactors as well, but the design on the IM reactors is well, innovative. It makes adjusting flow and changing out media super simple.

Yep. Changing the media is my big complaint with the nextreef