[olsaltybastard]

Dec 4th update:


I went ahead and changed out the GFO. I was going to do a pictorial write up, but my loaner digital camera is back with the owner. Here is a summary of the procedure:


You want to use about 1 gram per gallon of water; if you have never used GFO, use half this amount for the first time. Be realistic when estimating your gallonage as the tank makers are very slippery in their advertising of gallonage. My 215g will hold about 190g; then the rock displaces some water; long story short, there is probably a total of 200 gallons total for my setup. I measured out 200 grams of GFO on a scale I have at work. I added this to the GFO reactor and drew a line with a black magic marker where the GFO came up to. Now I won't have to measure with a scale; I can simply add it until I reach the line; pretty simple.

Next step is to rinse the media; I don't care what the instructions say, RINSE THE MEDIA!!! All I did was route the reactor outlet into a bucket and after 3 gallons (the capacity of the bucket), I was done. Keep in mind that I did this in conjunction with a water change, so I had plenty of makeup water on hand.

You only want a small amount of flow over the media; the top should do a little dance but no need to stir the entire reactor with flow. It will take a few days for all of the water inside the tank to go into the reactor; this is in keeping with the "go slow" habits.

That is all there is to it. Again, no camera, so no pics. This thread is starting to suck!