have you had any bad experiences using GFO? I understand if GFO particulates get into the display coral bleaching or rtn can occur?

It has been some time since I have seen your tank thread. Your tank is still an inspiration for me. Keep up the good work and give me more inspiration. :)

[b]tbone28:[/b] If you are referring to the Schuran/Gen-X media, it seems to take about 3 days. I will soak it for a day, test the water, change out for fresh RO/DI and soak it again. It's not very scientific, but it seems to take about 3 days for my test to show zero. Keep in mind that I am using the Deltec/Merck PO4 test.

Yup, talking about the Gen-X media. Good info. Looking to get a Calcium reactor soon. Thanks!

Actually, the only times I have had RTN in my tank was the same week I switched out the GFO. This could be coincidence of course, but I wonder if it has happened to anyone else. Perhaps a sudden dramatic drop in PO4 can induce RTN?
And thanks everbody for all the compliments on my tank. I would never have accomplished it without the help I have gotten here and the BRS website.

This has been noted in many threads. That is why I run my effluent through GFO and then doubled up fine filter socks. I have never associated RTN with the introduction of fresh GFO. Better safe than sorry I guess!

I ususally rinse it really well, but perhaps I need to do better. I would like to know if it's the dust or the sudden drop in phosphates that triggers the RTN.

looks fantastic

and thank again for your help with my dialyseas machine.

Your welcome! Did everything turn out ok?

energy (1700g stingray reef display) has also experienced rtn with new GFO, he has postulated GFO particulates settling on corals and/or too rapid of changes of phosphates. it's interesting that you have had a similar experience.

I'm due to change next week so I think I will run the diatom filter that day. That should take care of any particulates. As for a sudden drop in phosphates, I will slow the flow out of the reactor for the first 4 days. Other than that I don't know what else I can do.

yes it did. i had a bad pressure switch on the high off. couple of other little bugs fixed, followed all of your tips, and im free sailing. i really like it.

for all to know: this man gave me his number and spent a bit of his weekend on the phone with me, helping troubleshoot. WAY COOL DUDE. and his tank aint half bad either!

that is my dream setup.........i bet the plants do great in there .

The plants do very well. The humidity in the room is perfect for them.

That tank looks amazing...I have seen a few post on the BRS as well!

Here are a few more pics. I'm waiting for a sunny day to take full tank shot. Clams first.
[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-crocea.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-gigas.jpg [/IMG]

Miscellaneous...
[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-more_acros2.jpg [/IMG] [IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-softies.jpg [/IMG] [IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-powder_blue.jpg [/IMG] [IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-more_acros.jpg [/IMG] [IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-leopard_wrasse.jpg [/IMG]

looking real good. havent seen in person for awhile. always a treat. happy new year and a healthy reef year. :D

just re=read and noticed your not using IO anymore. what did you change to?

to others, how do you run your effluent through GFO, simply connect the reactor drain line to it an no other pump?

TIA

yup. I just let it trickle up through floss, media bag, more floss, and a double sock.

I changed to Red Sea Coral Pro. IO is low in CA and Mg, which is easy to fix if your mixing a batch to do a water change. With the dialyseas however, you are continuously changing the water and so you can't doctor the salt you pour into the salt tank. You need a salt that has the best values as is. So far this is the salt I like best.

I hav eheard some good things about it, but I haven't had the chance to buy and test any. I have recently been getting good results with OceanPure Pro.

Fantastic room. I especially like the arrangements. A work of art by my standards. Looking forward to the FTS. Thanks for sharing.

i love pics

Here is a pic of the tank from last year followed by one of this year. Notice the change in the orientation of the lights.[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-full_tank4_2-16-07.jpg [/IMG] [IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-tank_1-3-07.jpg [/IMG]