Start with 1 tablespoon (15g) of GFO per 10 gallons of total water volume.
- For example:
- 50-gallon tank: 5 tablespoons (75g)
- 100-gallon tank: 10 tablespoons (150g)
- 170-gallon tank: ~17 tablespoons (255g, roughly 1 cup)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start with a Reduced Dose (50-75% of Recommended Amount):
To avoid a sudden drop in phosphate levels, which can stress your tank inhabitants, begin with 50-75% of the full dose. For a 170-gallon tank, this would be 9-13 tablespoons (135-195g).
2. Place in a Media Bag or Reactor:
- Media Bag: Use a fine-mesh bag and position it in an area of high flow, such as your sump or filter chamber.
- Reactor: For the best results, use a fluidized reactor to ensure even water flow through the GFO. This maximizes phosphate removal efficiency.
3. Monitor Phosphate Levels Regularly:
- Test your water every 3-5 days after adding the GFO.
- Replace the media when you notice phosphate levels beginning to rise again or the media becomes saturated.
4. Adjust as Needed:
- If phosphate levels remain high, you can gradually increase the GFO dose by 10-15% until you reach the desired effect.
- Conversely, if levels drop too quickly, reduce the dose slightly to prevent stress on corals and other inhabitants.
Key Tips for Optimal Use
Phosphate Testing: Use a high-accuracy phosphate test kit or meter to track progress. Target levels are typically 0.03-0.05 ppm for reef tanks.
- Maintenance Schedule: Replace the GFO every 4-6 weeks, depending on your tank's bio load and phosphate levels.
- Flow Rate in Reactors: Ensure the flow is adjusted so that the GFO gently tumbles, avoiding compaction while maximizing contact time.
Directions For a Tank 170 Gallons, that has 0.26 ppm Phosphate
Based on a setup:
- Start with 12-14 tablespoons (180-210g) of GFO.
- Test phosphate levels 3-4 days after application to monitor progress.
- If levels remain high, increase the dose slowly to reach up to 17 tablespoons (255g).
By using Refuge Oxide and utilizing a reactor for even flow, you should see significant improvements in phosphate management.
**This information is provided for educational purposes only and is based on general industry guidelines and recommendations. Individual aquarium conditions may vary, and results are not guaranteed.**