GFO vs Phosban

[JMorris271]

Which way is the best for phosphate control
Does GFO kill GHA already growing or prevent its growth?

Thanks guys

 

[Scott07]

Phosban and GFO are really about the same thing. Phosban is just boutique GFO. Not to be confused of course w/ Phosguard which is a completely different substance (aluminum based).. but used for the same purpose. I'm using Phosban currently and have no complaints. I think most will tell you to save your $$ and go with a bulk pack of someone or other's GFO. Phosban is expensive for what it is... but at least for the time being, I'll stick with what's working... and it certainly is.

Either or will stop GHA from growing. Any GHA you have now will eventually starve from lack of nutrients... but manual removal (by you or a CUC) along with using GFO will get rid of it faster and more effectively. How long it takes is dependant on many variables... but don't rush it. I don't have a wealth of experience to lean on as many others on here do... but I have seen first hand that a drop from just 0.08 to 0.00 (hanna checker) cause problems including loss of color and some STN in SPS corals.

 

[JMorris271]

Phosban and GFO are really about the same thing. Phosban is just boutique GFO. Not to be confused of course w/ Phosguard which is a completely different substance (aluminum based).. but used for the same purpose. I'm using Phosban currently and have no complaints. I think most will tell you to save your $$ and go with a bulk pack of someone or other's GFO. Phosban is expensive for what it is... but at least for the time being, I'll stick with what's working... and it certainly is.

Either or will stop GHA from growing. Any GHA you have now will eventually starve from lack of nutrients... but manual removal (by you or a CUC) along with using GFO will get rid of it faster and more effectively. How long it takes is dependant on many variables... but don't rush it. I don't have a wealth of experience to lean on as many others on here do... but I have seen first hand that a drop from just 0.08 to 0.00 (hanna checker) cause problems including loss of color and some STN in SPS corals.

Thanks Scott07

 

[MidwesternTexan]

I use a bit of PhosGuard occassionally, no ill effects. I think it's less $ too.

 

[jerseygurl]

I run PhosBan in every tank, excellent product. A little expensive but worth it IMO.

 

[GilliganReef]

Just run a GFO reactor and give it time. It will slowly start starving it out.

 

[Sapelo]

I run GFO and have no complaints with it. It's simple and pretty cheap.

 

[danil]

You can run any brand of GFO (granular ferric oxide) or Phosguard (aluminum based product) or you can run PhosFree pool liquid (lanthanum based) just keep in mind that quick depletion of phosphate could literally kill your corals. Take it slow and keep it at low but detectable level. It's really good practice to "measure" phosphate with your eyes.. by looking at your tank . I've found that is the most reliable method among all.