Carbon & GFO VS. NP Reducing Biopellets? Please, tell me your experiences

[mandyplo]

Contemplating adding a dual Carbon & GFO reactor or NP reducing biopellets reactor from BRS to my system. I was told to try one out first and If I still see algae problems or yellow ish water or other unsatisfactory results then to add the second system.

My question is, which one should I try first? What might I have better luck with in a 55g coral mixed reef and fish tank? What are the benefits and disadvantages to both and what are your experiences with these systems and opinions on them?

Thanks in advance!

[Megalodon]

Try carbon and GFO first. Maybe with some macro algae in a refuge like chaeto.

Actually, carbon does something entirely different, so use it anyway.

[Lampshade]

+1 on carbon and GFO only.

I used biopellets (as well as my carbon/GFO) for a year with not too many tank problems, but I did notice that any time i had a "little" problem, like a hidden dead fish or snail, i would have lots of mulm buildup from pellets. This was followed by clogged hoses/pumps, followed by frustration and anger. I tried using Bio-Mate, adding more flow, buying new reactors, etc etc, then realized i'm doing this to all accommodate something that was supposed to make my tank easier to maintain. So i let them taper out, and now happily have the same low nutrients as I did when i had them on.