GFO media questions

[Gazbo]

Hello everyone I was just wondering what is if any the difference between brands of GFO media. I was checking different brands and buying in bulk and came across a 6 lb box for $75 or 12 lbs $155 the manufacturer is Coral See (molar product)
Does any one know of this manf.
Then there's aquamaxx 4 qts $65
Bulk reef supply 20 lbs $240 And high capacity 7 lbs $180
Is there a major difference between brands and what to look out for.
Thanks for the help

 

[spieszak]

i have read articles noting that you have to be cautious as the 'cheaper' brands have a tendency to release metals over time. then i've read articles that said they all do... and it all seemed a wash. i trust brs for no other reason than the amount of recommendations they get.. so i ordered the high capacity. it doesn't work for me, strips too much too fast. switched to their normal stuff and i'm happy with it for the most part. particle size seems about right for my reactor/pump, if i had a different one, my opinion my change.
i don't know if that is any help at all with your question honestly but at worst, you might get people to point out all the things i'm wrong about.

 

[Gazbo]

You said removes phosphate to fast with the high capacity? Isn't that main goal to have no phosphates. What problems occur with removing phosphate s to fast.

 

[spieszak]

You want phosphates low, but a true zero isn't good. (You can aim for it with most test kits though) I prefer mine at about .03 given the option.
Corals like stability. Too much/too little of something ALL the time is better than spikes and valleys. My corals look like crap and are generally angry when I drop it too fast, and I notice it when I change GFO regardless of brand.. with the high capacity it lasted days, with the regular I only notice it for a day...