This page will be an account of the setup of a GFO/Carbon Reactor I just purchased from Bulk Reef Supply. I’ve been doing a lot of research of Phosphates (PO4) recently as I continue to see clear signs that my levels have remained elevated.

I’m starting to see some of the more “exotic” algaes including cyno, bubble (green & red) and HA (Hair Algae). I’ve also thrown in 4 Emerald Crabs & some snails (along with the lettuce nudibranch) to beef up the cleaning crew. I’m also manually removing what I can with a turkey baster. The problem is not out of hand yet but I need to jump on this quick and with both feet I think.

Also, despite noting growth in the Duncan’s (4 heads) and the Paly’s which are multiplying nicely, along with decent growth on the larger Frogspawn colony, I’m seeing very little SPS growth. Anyway I believe the elevated (P04) is inhibiting growth as it’s widely known to do.

I was hoping the refuge along with (P04) pads & a bag of chemipure dropped in the intake of the fuge would do the trick but it’s not enough. I continue to was frozen food to remove as much of the (P04) additives but that also apparently isn’t enough.

Many report very good results when using GFO Reactors (especially BRS’s) so despite the fact that I’m not thrilled with adding more equipment to the tank I’m hoping it will be well worth it. Below is some information for the model I ordered and I’ll update this article with pics and maybe video after I’ve completed setup. I’ll post a reading of the current (P04) levels (and perhaps some others) before putting the reactor into action. I’ll then record any progress whether visually or chemically.

AquaFuge2

CPR’s AquaFuge2 hang-on refugiums come in three different sizes to meet the needs of marine aquarists.

Recently redesigned with a black acrylic backing to prevent light from transfering to the main aquarium, each model comes with a powerhead and features a unique baffle system. This prevents the substrate and organisms from being disturbed yet also allows enough water to flow through the eliminate any stagnant areas. Also includes the New Bubble Eliminator to stop bubbles from entering the tank from the outlet.

The AquaFuge2 provides ideal growth conditions for food items, such as copepods and ampipods, to feed invertebrates and fish in the main tank. It provides a controlled growing area for macroalgae, which can be used to reduce “nuisance” algae in the main tank and provided a “nursery” area for a variety of organisms.

Small AquaFuge

Includes Powerhead
Water Capacity: 2.50 Gallons
Dimensions: 13″ L x 4.5″ W x 12″ T
Product Code: AF2SM
Lighting Options

Installed this larger refugium a month or so ago to replace the smaller intank refugium I was running. Setup was very simple. Overall I’m happy with it though it’s a little loud at the intake end. I threw some eggcrate on top of it and then laid 3 Current lights over the top of it.

Recommended

Remora Protein Skimmer

Specs

• – 19″ tall x 6″ wide x 2-3/4″ deep
• – Minimum tank opening 5-1/4″ x 1-1/2″
• – Minimum tank height 12-1/2″
• – Minimum space behind tank 2-3/4″
• – Maximum tank lip 1-3/8″ wide
• Vertical clearance above tank 10-1/2″
• Includes Maxi Jet 1200 pump
• Rated for tanks up to 75 gallons
• Includes nylon cleaning brush
• Collection cup drain is optional
• EPDM o-ring for collection cup adjustment

Features

• The Remora is built from translucent gray acrylic to inhibit the growth of algae and marine organisms.
• The skimmer can be ordered with a collection drain fitting (optional).
• The two screws at the base of the skimmer are used to adjust the Remora so that it is level with the back of the tank.
• We offer a surface prefilter accessory for this skimmer.

I picked one of these up to replace a cheap skimmer that came with my tank. At almost $200 it’s considered a moderately priced skimmer and all things considered it made the most sense for my tank. Setup was a snap and it took two weeks for the skimmer to “break in” and begin producing skimmate. 7 months later is still probably wouldn’t fill the collection cup in a month but it fills about 1/2 way every few weeks and the skimmate is naaasty.  I run might to skim “wet” pushing the collection cup all the way down.

There are certainly more efficient skimmers on the market but not for the same money. This model is fairly sleek and is “tinted” so I’ve had no algae growth in the column. Great for tanks up to 55 gallons I would say.

Highly recommended

**** stars