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When to add gfo and carbon?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by tje22, Mar 17, 2013.

  1. tje22 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    351
    Greene county
    Ratings:
    +22 / 0 / -0

    Hello everyone!!! I was wondering when you think I should add gfo and carbon to the reactor? My tank is still at the begining of its cycle and only has ammonia reading so far. Also I've had my skimmer running since day one. Is this ok?





    Thanks in advance for the advice!
     
  2. Waverz

    Waverz Expert Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    If it were me I would get a Hanna PO4 checker and only run GFO as needed. Carbon helps improve water clarity to I like to run it all the time.

    Running your skimmer is also fine as they usually take a few weeks to "break in" anyway.
     
  3. tje22 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    351
    Greene county
    Ratings:
    +22 / 0 / -0

    Ok, thanks a lot!!!
     
  4. Fultsreef

    Fultsreef Inactive User

    151
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    if youre cycling with an occasional sprinke of fish food i would at least check po4 at least once to twice a week and treat as necessary since you obviously dont have any fish in there to consume the food so your po4 may climb. as far as carbon and your skimmer... i personally would run both right from the get go and get used to operating your tank like you would if you had it stocked...for me cycling a tank was a good practice period to get used to changing filter socks and some of the other maintenance to your tank.

    what brand of carbon are you going to be using? my personal preference is seachem's matrix carbon.

    skimmers will go hay-wire fromt he start and if your was brand new a good thorough cleaning of it before use is always suggested as their is a lubricant or other substance that may remain on the inside of your skimmer from the manufacturer. a good cleaning or rinsing of it should help it break in quicker.
     
  5. tje22 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    351
    Greene county
    Ratings:
    +22 / 0 / -0

    ↵





    Thanks for the great input everybody!



     
  6. Fultsreef

    Fultsreef Inactive User

    151
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    You sound like you're sitting pretty well prepared...just keep tabs on the phosphates. Not sure if it would hurt or not to just start gfo now to keep your levels from even going up or if you should wait until there is a detectable undesirable level of po4 before starting gfo treatment.
     

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