GFO and CARBON

[kelrn98]

I have read many threads that people indicate they do not run carbon and GFO regularly. Is there a particular reason to avoid such practice? aside from the cost?

I have a 300g DT, 50g fuge, 75g sump, 10g frag tank all plumbed together. I run GFO and carbon through a BRS dual reactor at all times. I also have a biopellet reactor and Reefoctopus 5000 in sump skimmer. I have no algae problems at all. Nitrates 0, phosphates <0.3. I feed small amounts 3 times a day but have a relatively small bioload.

[dkeller_nc]

I think most folks would tell you "don't fix what isn't broken". Some of us do not run GFO and GAC on a regular basis because we don't need to do so to maintain low nutrient levels. In my case, that's probably a result of heavy use of kalkwasser.

[thegrun]

There have been studies that MIGHT link the use of carbon to head lateral line disease, but the key there is "might". The suspicion is that carbon fines may be the cause. If you are using a quality carbon and rinse it well before use I don't see a problem. I have never seen an article with concerns over GFO use. I've used both for many years without a problem, not that that is proof one way or the other.

[degibson84]

There have been studies that MIGHT link the use of carbon to head lateral line disease, but the key there is "might". The suspicion is that carbon fines may be the cause. If you are using a quality carbon and rinse it well before use I don't see a problem. I have never seen an article with concerns over GFO use. I've used both for many years without a problem, not that that is proof one way or the other.

I would not say might buy it does cause HLLE. I use BRS large lignite and everytime I run it my Koran angel would show signs of HLLE. Once I stopped the carbon and feed quality food it starts to go away.

[downbeach]

I have used them both for many years, without a problem. There was a study that showed the use of "lignite" (made from coal) type of GAC can cause HLLE.

http://www.coralmagazine-us.com/content/activated-carbon-hlle-smoking-gun-found

[kelrn98]

Thanks for the info.

[d2mini]

Just like with dosing, i wouldn't use them willy-nilly. Some of us feel like we have the need to run them, some of us have tanks that don't need one or either.
You can always try cutting back or stop using them all together and see if you notice any difference.

[Stolireef]

The one thing that carbon may provide is a little bit more room for error. I run it in a media bag in a high flow area of my sump and it gives me a little extra peace of mind.

[Dugless]

It really depends what kind of reef you have as well. Some employ the use of GFO in a SPS dominant aquarium to keep phosphate levels in check to allow for more colorful acros, while others use carbon in a soft coral tank to adsorb chemical warfare typically associated with such corals.

Carbon, in my opinion, can be used on occasion much more safely than GFO. If not used in moderation or accurately, GFO can quickly strip the water of phosphate and do more harm than good. For this reason, I like to use a dialed in amount of GFO routinely. Again, this depends on what corals you are rearing. I don't feel GFO is even warranted in a LPS/Soft dominant reef.