Convinced of a link between GFO and Cyano (and not the good kind)

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Myka

Next time, don't use so much GFO. 1 tbsp per 30 gallons changed out every 2-3 weeks is much "safer" than adding a whack and changing it out every 6-8 weeks.
Added note... in my experience, mature tanks shouldn't need GFO, and usually do better without it.

So, you're advocating using roughly 50mls of GFO in my 105 system, instead of the BRS recommended 225mls ? ( For my tank they recommend 0.86 cups )

Your ammount equates to;
105/30=3.5 Tbsp
3.5x15mls(Tbsp)=52.5mls

I get all the hype about selling product and such, and some may not change their media when they should, but that's a big difference

I'm asking as I'm considering your recommendation for 3 reasons;
1 - I have GHA that I suspect is living off the iron from the GFO
2 - My corals have become 'too green' after the last GFO I bought
3 - I'm looking to cut costs

I'm also considering cutting GFO out of my tank's diet altogether as it's getting old enough now

[Myka]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

So, you're advocating using roughly 50mls of GFO in my 105 system, instead of the BRS recommended 225mls ?

Yes. I've had better results in the tank by using a lesser amount and changing more often.

I just looked at BRS, as I'm not familiar with their recommendations, and I see they want you to change it out every 4-8 weeks.

To compare my recommendation to BRS:

My recommendation is 1 tbsp (15 mL) per 30 gallons changed every 2-3 weeks. So my recommendation on 105 gallons works out to 140-210 mL in 8 weeks. I use RowaPhos strictly. I haven't used BRS HC GFO in several years.

BRS recommendation of 225 mL of the HC GFO changed every 4-8 weeks is 225 mL to 450 mL in 8 weeks.

There is almost no data available to compare the different brands of GFO, although I have found one comparing RowaPhos to PhosBan. http://www.theaquariumsolution.com/f...n%20report.pdf

Ultimately, my recommendation is based on using RowaPhos, and I am not sure if my recommendation can be directly compared.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Myka

Yes. I've had better results in the tank by using a lesser amount and changing more often....

Thanks Mindy ( I missed your post )

I've been using 225ml and changing it every 2 weeks
I'll try cutting it in half to start with and see what happens with my PO4 readings/algae issues

If all is good I'll keep cutting it back to a point where I know what amount to use every 2 weeks