Week 24: Carbon, GFO & Filter Media for a Clean, Stable Reef Tank. | 52 Weeks of Reefing

It's Week 24, and this week we are talking chemical filtration which is the practice of using various medias to remove unwanted elements from the tank like color pigments, odors, phosphate, carbon dioxide, ammonia, heavy metals, accidental toxins, and a variety of other contaminants.
#BRS160
We'll explore activated carbon, GFO, resins, CO2 removal media, and zeolites . We will share what they are for, some performance data as well as some of the various methods of implementing them in the aquarium.
All of these medias are effective and safe but almost every experienced reefer will tell you limiting the amount of medias to those you find particularly valuable are generally a good idea for the tank because they all have some unknown or unintended effects on the water chemistry. for the most part there just isn’t a better replacement for a solid water change schedule but these medias have some undeniable results and why so many reefers use them as part of a large component of overall tank maintenance schedule.
So follow along and let us know which chemical filtration media you would run in the comments area below!
Legal Stuff
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@BurpleBrink]

This dude has completely changed my plan for my first reef tank. So happy to find these videos!

[@cheseenlo]

I want to Thank you guys over at BRS for doing these videos. Not only are you guys speaking from real world experience, you guys provide us with video testing evidence so its not only he said she said. we can actually see what works best and why it works. thank you very much and merry Christmas.

[@GRodPericles]

I watched this when I first started my 55 gal reef and couldn't understand much of this. Now that I'm on my third tank this is great info and should be saved for all reefers

[@savannahhicks1]

GW Holla I’m about to start my first reef and I don’t quite understand this. Is this necessary for a tank?

[@ericsreeflife7967]

Carbon bags and even the mix with gfo is a must keeps water clean otherwise tanks will be dirty very quickly in other words

[@thegreatga]

Wow, I just love BRS. I've spent over $1,500 in the last month on their website because I feel that this company provides quality products, at a quaity price. Without these videos I wouldnt have the product knowlege or know how, to do many of things they are showing while setting up a new saltwater tank. The seem to ship stuff rather quick. My only regret is not buying more the blackfriday week, because they had some huge savings.

[@opethmike]

I am in the planning stages of a 120 gallon tank, so I have been re-watching these videos. My continuing thanks for all of your knowledge sharing.

[@chrismidkiff3508]

Loop ml Del

[@veedub916]

your videos are awesome! they game me the confidence to get first reef tank. I can't wait to set it up. Keep up the good work guys

[@andrewhales9771]

Thank you BRS for the new video!!

[@musicmixcapecod]

One thing I've learned is powdered reef food really makes the algae bloom FAST , I've been feeding my fish very slow and my snails do a great job keeping the tank clean too. When I feed my LPS now I use the .5 mm pellets and also feed them really slow which keeps the algae under control. So I'm with you on controlling what you put in your tank is one the best methods to controlling phosphate and nitrate levels. Good video as usual 👍 #Just say no to broadcast feeding

[@VenturosoSolo]

i've been getting my guys from ReefBreeders and always wondered why so many came in lol. Thanks guys!

[@gardenextra7415]

Really have to listen to information on each piece over and over again to make decisions. I still haven't added gfo to my 16 month old mixed Reef. But I think I'm going to. Just a small amount to the carbon. My recent algae problem was connected to dirty filters in my RO. The filters were working with the large particles but not the Unseen ones. Thanks you guys are awesome.

[@Captluke08]

Thanks again, Ryan!

[@Forgetii]

Great video! I love that you hit on topics that are totally new to me. This is the first time I've ever heard about CO2 removal media. I'm currently having a low pH problem with my tank and feel it's a combination of water source and high CO2 levels in the room. I will be absolutely be checking into this product and how to implement it. Thanks Again BRS Team!!

[@NYCityCichlids]

Thanks for the information.

[@ralphpastine4587]

Dusty Fines....sounds like a country singer

[@GENISIS1TWENTYONE]

I use the BRS ROX 0.8 and GFO for almost a year know and have been very happy with the results

[@gordonsmith2551]

I wish I had a BRS in the UK. The specialised products you make are always well recommended and I just can't get my hands on them. That and you are stocking the Kessil A700 mounting arms! I want want want. Thank you for making these videos, I am currently setting up a 395litre (my biggest ever) reef tank and this whole series has been timely and extremely helpful.

[@ubaldi81]

+Gordon Smith hey Gordon you can almost find anything in continental europe especially in germany... Men they are the best in that matter

[@gordonsmith2551]

+marius sulla hi Marius. Thanks for your comment. I'll have a look. My issue is probably that Google only searches English language stores. I'll maybe just need to look harder.

[@gordonsmith2551]

+BulkReefSupplyCom So where do I get Kessil AP700 mounting arms if I live in the UK? :D:D. Just joking, I really appreciate the engagement you have with non customer reefers. I hope to be a customer one day. Keep up the great work.

[@gordonsmith2551]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks very much guys. I had a look and unfortunately they didn't seem to stock it. The good news for us Brits is that charterhouse aquatics have let me know if should be available for online ordering today at 3pm GMT. I have cleared my schedule!

[@spectralcodec]

Great videos!

[@WTBMrGrey]

Very interesting. You make everything so easy to understand. Thank you.

[@KimKim-on2ct]

BulkReefSupplyCom I've said it before and I'm gonna say it again: too bad you don't ship internationally 🙂. What carbon do you recommend for none U.S residents? Regards / Kim

[@KimKim-on2ct]

I'll do that, thanks

[@DeadheadSC313]

Ryan continues to kill it on these videos

[@Merknilash]

This video alone makes me get a carbon reactor And it’s interesting to learn how much carbon matters - and why my freshwater tanks would clear up so much after putting carbon filters in the HOB filter

[@ralphpastine4587]

You can play a drinking game to this one take a shot every time he says Dusty Fines

[@johanngarcia7290]

awsome video Ryan, thanks for sharing..... please why you dont make a video about " ZEOvit system "...... Ithink everyone wants to know about it...!!!!

[@ShilpanGPatel]

Hello! Once again thanks for the awesome videos. I'm starting a new tank soon. Of course I am very interested in a good water changed and feeding schedule, however I was wondering when is the right time to add GFO or Carbon bags? As the tank cycles and sets up? Or later once I add fish? Thank you

[@christopherblack4585]

Awesome video!! Thank you guys for doing this series! We are currently plumbing our new 150 gallon tank and want to use a manifold to connect our reactors as you have done but I'm a little stumped. I can clearly see a tee off of the main pipe and ball valve at 19:43. However, How is the ball valve connected to the tee? And what is the fitting connecting the reactor hose to the ball valve? Thank you BRS!

[@worldtravelin]

What are the 3 components hooked up to the manifold? Intake for the Re-circ skimmer, your media reactor....what is the last one? Thanks

[@timlaw1612]

also can i just plumb them into my return pump hose to get the last treatment before returning to the tank

[@kpmoloney]

I wish there was a store and youtube channel of this quality for freshwater planted enthusiasts. I love the scientific approach you take to setting up and maintaining your tanks. Do you have any thoughts on carbon in a freshwater setting?

[@kevinfrenzel7350]

Have you been able to determin the size of the carbon dust, and GFO duct and what size micron would be need to make sure it did not enter the water column? Also is the word carbon find, or carbon vine? I rewound several times but am not sure. Thanks in advance.

[@ThePurplePupUwU]

I have a idea for a gfo reactor there are some timers out there and I have ine that I can program a pump to be more powerful a a certain time basicly I have it making the pump go 75% every 3 hours to stir the gfo.

[@raeesusman2026]

Is ROX carbon a type of carbon or a brand? What does it stand for? Thanks. :)

[@edwardwade8101]

hi brs team great video. question I have 0 phosphate now thanks to the reactor. should i keep running my Deluxe reactor? mix with gfo and activated carbon or should I toss the mix. out of cartridge and just add carbon alone. to keep water looking crystal clear. so GFO is only to lower phosphates? my total water volume is 100 gallons how much carbon would I need if I just won't to run carbon alone? thanks brs. for all the great videos keep them coming they really help me out as I am a newbie only four months into the hobby

[@talon146]

Curious about how the test was performed between filter bag and reactor. The reactor is pump driven and circulates more water across the canister/filter than a filter bag sitting somewhere in the tank or sump. Was there a current going through the filter bags or were they stuck in a corner not getting much circulation?

[@AirForceBlonde]

I have a dual reactor..before we moved, it worked perfectly. Since the move, I can't get the GFO to tumble to save my life, no matter how open the valve is.. Can you do a troubleshooting video??

[@deadpat6116]

will nitrate reactors be in mechanical? ive had great experience with just them removing almost all nitrates and phosphates!

[@GoodGraceToday]

I'm starting ,my first saltwater tank its a 125 could you recommend a protein skimmer as ive been watching your vids but still don't know what all is recommended.

[@andrewsamazingreef5630]

What do u all need for filtration and all of that stuff because I'm getting a tank and I'm very confused and can u put everything in a sump in a Nuvo ten gallon in the built in back

[@timlaw1612]

Help! can i serial set up two of the deluxe reactors one for gfo and one for carbon. i am setting up a waterbox 230.6 platinum pro so i think just one with a mixture of gfo and carbon in one chamber wont cover the tank?

[@minnesotasmooth]

How long after the cycle should i start running my carbon ?

[@eFISHancy]

Can I use matrix media or marine pure media in one of this reactors for better biological filtration?

[@mikebucci6850]

My tank is only 1 month old and just added my first livestock, I pan to run a dual reactor, one GFO and one Carbon. Should I wait a few months to add this to my system?

[@baddaboom4422]

Can I put two different types of carbon in a reactor/filter bag?

[@benc8519]

If the reactors work more efficiently than media bags does that mean the reactors exhausts media faster too?

[@dontreply8346]

Is it a good idea to just use a protein skimmer, a filter with matrix, coarse sponge and filter floss, and an unlighted refugium? Doesn’t seem to be working for me.

[@raeesusman2026]

Some of my carbon falls through the sponges in my D-D reactor, can I put the carbon in a media bag then put the bag in the reactor to hold it in place?

[@joeb1906]

Per previous video they said not to worry about it

[@edmundooliver7584]

does carbon change the PH and can you just use it for a couple of hour's for polishing the water.

[@FishOfHex]

BRS GFO and ROX 0.8 is the only way to go. Only time i would use a different carbon would be on the zeovit system.

[@raeesusman2026]

Can you rinse the carbon in tap water or does it have to be RODI water?

[@cplcouture]

What is the middle valve used for? Look half open... ;-)

[@sagrath1982]

Does carbon removes the tracing elements dosed?

[@PhysicsPhD]

Generally, one can use a white bucket to get an idea when the carbon is getting clogged. But, how about the GFO? If you use mixed, then you'll likely be replacing the GFO in advance anyway. But, if you run it separately, other than maybe a low-range Hanna checker (which may be beaten to the punch by algae), what other measure lets you know the GFO is going bad?

[@patrickegal7578]

Regarding flow rates and undesirable tumbling/grinding...... For a given flow rate, the speed of the flow is inversely proportional to the diameter of the chamber it is flowing through. It's the speed of the flow you want to control through the chamber to avoid the grinding of particles,.. So a chamber with a larger diameter will pass more flow at a slower speed and in my opinion more desirable vs a chamber with a smaller diameter. So another variable you can manipulate is the chamber diameter size. My current reactor is 2.5" in diameter and is over sensitive to changes in the flow valve regarding tumbling. I think the catridges in many of the BRS reactors are near the same diameter. I'll be looking to replace my reactor with something that has a diameter in the 4" range size to get the most flow at the slowest speed.

[@adamoltman9583]

I've been trying to find this answer recently. when medicating a saltwater aquarium, it is commonly known to remove carbon and often to turn off the protein skimmer. however, does gfo typically effect medications significantly? or should it just be turned off to be safe? (i'm specifically using prazipro)

[@adamoltman9583]

thanks! I just saw some minor reports of gfo striping organics from the water, but I thought it wouldn't begin to approach what carbon can remove! thanks for the reassurance!

[@mallo_man95]

is it bad if you use freshwater activated carbon in a reef tank ??

[@oropherelf8544]

Hi Ryan, Are they any negative impact using carbon filtration in a Triton system tank? I mean I don't want the additives I dosed ended up in carbon filtration. I run 2 parts, red sea ABCD and nopox. Regards.

[@BRStv]

You can run carbon in a system running the Triton system! They actually utilize their Detox additive with carbon to remove heavy metals.

[@garyf78]

I purchased the BRS deluxe reactor and placed 2/3 ROX and 1/3 GFO just like mentioned in this video. My question is why does the BRS calculator say to use more GFO then carbon? For instance ... for a 90 gallon tank using ROX calculator says to use .56 cups and a 90 gallon tank with GFO add 1.41 cups..... I’m so confused.

[@garyf78]

Also because the calculator is off from the BRS video.... I have no idea how much GFO and Carbon I should use in the BRS reactor. I saw an older video from BRS and it mentioned to never use more than 50 % more GFO than carbon.... I put a cup and a half of ROX and a cup of GFO and let it rip. I feel like I may have used too much for a 90 gallon mixed reef but IDK. Thanks for any suggestions.

[@garyf78]

Thanks for the quick reply! I’m now a bit concerned because I used a bit over a cup of ROX and about a cup of GFO in my 90 gallon. Hopefully I’m not shocking my system.... after work I will take it out and go less on both.

[@evoXmr]

How come you didn't discuss bio pellets?

[@jhrice]

You said that the 2 to 1 mixture of carbon to GFO that you're using will waste of bit of the GFO's capacity. Why not just use a bit less GFO? Also, did you use the regular GFO or your high capacity GFO?

[@seanpaterson1602]

Is there a reactor that fits the new waterbox peninsula mini 25 ?

[@BRStv]

We don't stock that tank, so be sure to check dimensions, but the Innovative Marine reactors may work for you.

[@pmrossetti1]

Great video guys.How about BIO PELLETS?

[@andrewhales9771]

+Peter Rossetti Watch the video again...

[@danielschultz8084]

I have a nuvo tank and was wondering if BRS makes a carbon reactor small enough to fit in the filtration compartments? Also I would just like to say thank you SOO much for all you do!! I have no idea how I could own a reef tank without you guys!!

[@danielschultz8084]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Thank you very much, this is very helpful. Merry Christmas!

[@danielschultz8084]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Thank you very much, this is very helpful. Merry Christmas!

[@hiperfin]

At 5:12 was that someone's contact on the table on the left side? lol

[@sinatra617]

Can I use carbon in a media bag in the back of my biocube? If so which one do you recommend? I'm new to saltwater and wanna make sure.

[@BRStv]

absolutely. We usually suggest the Rox 0.8 carbon as it's the least dusty and most effective carbon we offer. You also have to use much less of it to achieve the same result vs a bituminous or lignite carbon.

[@sinatra617]

@@BRStv thank you

[@chulitaness]

I'm trying to learn as much as I can before I start a tank. Can use carbon and gfo instead of a protein skimmer or would you recommend using all three? I'm trying to see what I truly need to start a 55 gallon tank. There are so many options shown in all of your videos and I was t it all! But I can only afford a piece at a time so I'm trying to be realistic.

[@chulitaness]

I don't have a tank yet. I'm doing as much research as I can and I'm going to get the equipment a piece at a time. But I want to get the essentials first so that I can get it started and then add on later. It's good to know that you recommend a skimmer first. I appreciate your response! I want to get a reef ready tank preferably with a sump.

[@chulitaness]

Ok thank you. That's something else to think about! I'm trying to go with a size that I won't outgrow anytime soon. I'm leaning towards T5's for the lighting at least to start.

[@karennation3580]

How are you supposed to use these in a sump? Its just an open container of water? Do you have to have a reactor to use carbon ect?

[@BRStv]

You definitely don't need a reactor to utilize carbon in your tank. Just throw some carbon in a mesh bag and stick it in a higher flow area of the sump! :)

[@timothymayes520]

What filtration would you recommend for my Nuvo 20 gal. kit? Do you suggest GFO or just sticking with biological filtration? If so, how much GFO would you suggest per. week and what should I store it in? Please keep in mind that I plan to have 4 fish and do a 7 gallon water change total per month.

[@timothymayes520]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks for the advice! Anyways, would you think that GFO is a worthwhile investment with a 20 gallon tank since water changes are so expensive?

[@timothymayes520]

+BulkReefSupplyCom Ok, thanks. I have been thinking to just start out with the basics and then expand on my technology and livestock as I become a more experienced reefer so I am going to stick with that idea.

[@peytonnorman2344]

Ryan, is this type of filtration absolutely necessary for a successful tank, or can you be just as successful by doing water changes and other maintenance?

[@peytonnorman2344]

+BulkReefSupplyCom okay thanks!

[@Phangmaster]

The easiest way to see how coloured your water is, is to tape a piece of white paper to one end of your tank, and look at it from the other end. You very quickly learn about your water that way, costs nothing.

[@00Mass00]

What effect does the size of the GFO pellets have?

[@00Mass00]

@@BRStv Thank you so much for replying. If the particles become super small it could also be waste product of bigger pellets I suppose? I will go for Rowaphos :) Wish you had a European warehouse guys!

[@ldballoon4]

Another winning video. Off topic, when is Ryan getting married? He said at MACNA 2015 he was engaged. Keep us posted.

[@ldballoon4]

+BulkReefSupplyCom He needs a break!, Congrats Ryan!, enough with the inverts, keep your lady #1 in your life, Ryan! We married guys know the game well. Yoda says, "Do or do not, there is no try...".

[@NorCalDubber]

Is gfo same as a phosban?

[@sputnik790]

The question is, does carbon removes important trace elements that SPS and other corals need? I feel it does....

[@haroonsaliem3094]

Can we mix two different types of carbon together

[@BRStv]

Yes you can

[@nickward9839]

Ryan have u please got a link on triton please !!! thanks

[@nickward9839]

+BulkReefSupplyCom some guys run it over here in the UK I'll get bk to u and let u know exactly what it is 👍

[@corkyb123dinky]

hi can i use ROWAphos with redsea nopox ? as i just started nopox on the doser ?

[@corkyb123dinky]

@@BRStv tank you your information is help full as always :)

[@pjfreak99]

Spill it! Who has the dirty tank? I expect him/her to be disciplined accordingly! Was it the Spongebob tank?

[@tkotanko]

ROX is worth the cost... it's all I've used since my tanks startup. I've used other carbon (not BRS) in freshwater and I'm not impressed with the time required to clean it for tank use.

[@Phangmaster]

10 years ago nobody ran Carbon in a reactor because it was too efficient, ripping out trace elements from the water, but now it seems everyone's doing it. What changed?

[@Timb3rWo1f]

Calcium reactor, dosing

[@WRITINGCOMICS]

Can you investigate? If every surface in our tanks is basically bio media do we really need commercial bio media, balls, ceramic, etc...? Excluding media for special purposes, carbon, phosguard etc. I feel like it may be overkill and a waste of money when live rock and sand are great surfaces for bacteria to thrive.

[@marquiiswells]

I'd love to see a test of ROX vs chemi pure blue.

[@PhongLe-rl5vg]

+BulkReefSupplyCom i wanted to ask the same thing, because in my reef tank, i use chemi pure blue instead of carbon.

[@RustyParadox]

Ahhhh, noooooo don't do it! Such intelligent and helpful conversation and then you go and say 10 "X". When did this trend of saying "x" instead of times start.... they're doing it on tested too, and they major tech nerds (very annoying). But the moment you do that I put you in the class of people that say yolo.

[@matthewmeek4289]

Dude yolo is so 2012, me and bae stopped saying that on fleak

[@sions9717]

What's that fish at 1:22?

[@sions9717]

@@BRStv Thanks👍

[@KKsosVOS]

whats the name of the fish at 1:21?

[@samwilliams8528]

carbon looks like chocolate sprinkles or oreo crumbles

[@alazydude]

Where do you guys stand on the link between Carbon HLLE? I stopped running carbon a few years ago after losing a sweet Marine Beta to HLLE. Would love to go back, but don't wanna put the fish at risk www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/activated-carbon-affirmed-as-causative-agent-for-hlle-disease

[@DeadheadSC313]

+Dan Juell I've put myself through the ringer over this issue re: tangs at different points over the past 20 years. The last time was the first time I was able to save a fish. I pulled every stop out so I can't say what did the trick for sure. I pulled my Probe, discontinued carbon, added selcon and more algae when feeding. Complete turnaround. The whole thing has me skeptical as you may be about carbon AND tangs. I'm not in this to kill fish.

[@Daemiex]

i thought lion fish werent reef safe

[@bane1607]

+Daemiex the rule with any lionfish (or any other predatory fish) is what fits in their mouth goes in. they may eat certain inverts also. as for coral, they will not eat it. other beaked fish, like parrotfish, will eat coral. reef safe refers to to different things, not coral safe, and not safe with inverts and small fish.

[@mikee2482]

This guy reminds me of goofy.