Best way to remove phosphates

[jaydub74]

I'm currently battling green hair algrea throughout my tank - I believe this is the result of high phosphates.

My clean-up crew consists of 10 certh snails, 10 astra snails, 6 'hermits, emerald crab & a long spin urchin. The tank is only 24 gallons and they're still not taking it down.

I should also mention that I only use RO/DI bottled water and my tank is bare bottom.

Yesterday I purchased a product that is placed in a media bag to absorb phosphates.

My question is how long does do these products take before yo u start seeing results?

And what do you use on an regular basis to continue to remove phosphates from the water?

thanks
Josh

 

[Megalodon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12319133#post12319133 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jaydub74
And what do you use on an regular basis to continue to remove phosphates from the water?

Water changes, GFO, and macro algae.

 

[snorvich]

Agree with above. In any case, if you cannot measure it, you cannot control it. Perhaps a test kit or photometer might be useful.

 

[soahnk]

You are going to want to remove as much of the hair algae from the tank as possible by hand too.

 

[sjj80]

In the past I've used the brown general purpose phosphate pads made by tropical science. I'd run them for 2 days and leave the tank lights off, my cleaners took care of the rest and I never had another problem. I think drsfostersmith carries them.

 

[mikesommers]

Phos Ban Reactor, mini jet 400 and GFO!!

Good luck!

 

[shackscs]

Phos Ban Reactor also and clean up crew. 1 hermit per gallon.

 

[jaydub74]

whats GFO

 

[miwoodar]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.php

 

[Konadog]

Granulated ferric Oxide, such as Warner Marine PhosaR, Two Little Fishies PhosBan, Deltec's Rowaphos........... things like these products.

 

[SeanT]

"Cook" your rock.

 

[downhillbiker]

Can i use GFO in a canister filter, or does it have to be in a reactor only. will it do any good?

 

[soahnk]

You can use gfo in a canister, it just won't be quite as effective. Basically, the water will tend to channel through and not all of the media will be utilized effectively. The reactor keeps the media moving and avoids channeling.

 

[downhillbiker]

ok sounds good. i take my filter out every day and clean the media, so i will just move the media around manually. i will get some of the GFO. where is the best place to get it.

 

[downhillbiker]

My other question would be how much should i get for a 75 gallon tank? I have plenty of room, so large quantities are possible, but will more help?

And how long does it last? How often should I replace it?

 

[miwoodar]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.php

If you're going to add GFO to your system - I would seriously recommend that you read this rather than taking a one liner from someone.

Start slow. I use 3 tblspoons/mo in a 65. My GFO is from twopartsolutions.

FWIW - I also dose a carbon source.

 

[spleify]

Good reading Mike, thanks for the link.

Spleify

 

[demonsp]

Whats used for water movement?
How many fish?
I wouldnt try and fix phosphate unless you can test for it.

 

[jaydub74]

just three small fish
two clowns and a yellow tail damsel.
I don't plan on adding anything else - maybe removing the damsel and replacing with a lawnmower blenny to help clean up.

As for flow its just a stock 24 jpj nano cube - I'm not sure what the standard pump pushes.

 

[PogoMonogo]

the GFO works great, but if your phosphates are that high, it can be exhausted pretty quick. I would run a polyfilter with the GFO the first time you put it in to extend the life of the GFO.