Phosphate Factory

[fishnugget]

Phosphate Reduction
I have phosphates of .5. I had a very large cyno breakout. I treated tank and did large water change. My phsophates are still high. I have a small refug in main sump. What would be the best way to quickly reduce phosphates to help my system. What should I do on going?

I really need help. It is a 210 gallon tank.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You treated the tank with what?
GFO is a good way to reduce phosphate fast, but long term I prefer skimming and growing macroalgae.

Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm

Phosphorus: Algaeââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s Best Friend
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm

 

[fishnugget]

Chemi Clean

Chemi Clean

I believe it was a product by Boyd

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Ah,OK. Not my favorite product since they do not reveal the ingredients and I do not trust them to decide for me what I would want to add to my tank.

 

[fishnugget]

Is?

Is?

Is there something else I should Try?

It seems that many are using phosban reactors. However I have a 210 gallon tank. Reactor only treats up to 150. Should I use 2 reactors.? how do you feel about the Salifert product? Phos Ban, Rowa Phos?

I can't afford multiple experimentations. Do you believe in carbon in these reactors with these products or separate? Do you think carbon should be always run or just occasionally- Passively in a bag?

Your opinions mean alot to me because you have no financial gain motives.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I usually recommend reduced nutrients (phosphate especially, but also nitrate), reduced organics (skimming, carbon, ozone), and increased water flow.

If I were to use GFO, I'd use it in a cannister filter, not a reactor that mixes it up.

 

[fishnugget]

Sorry

Sorry

What is a cannister filter. I have never used one. Do you mean put in a bag in a cannister filter? Carbon also? What brand?

Why not reactor?

 

[fishnugget]

Ozone

Ozone

Ozone generator>? Type?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don't care for GFO reactors as they have the potential to pulverize the material and release small bits to the aquarium. A cannister is like a "magnum" filter. It comes with a suitable basket, but a bag can also work.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2004+22777&va=1

Ozone is a long and complicated issue that I have 3 articles coming up in the next few months. Sanders makes good units, and Aquamedic as well. Many people use Red Sea because they are cheaper.

 

[fishnugget]

I guess...

I guess...

After looking at different cannisters, they all show different flow rates and all are rated for smaller tanks than mine. I'm sure I should not worry about this because the cannister is being used for a different purpose than for tank filtration. Am I correct? Is there a specific flow rate I am after? Any brand prefence Rowa phos. Phosban, Salifert?

Is it ok to use carbon in here as well?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Forget the rating. Those assume it is used for a fish only tank for the nitrogen cycle. To run carbon or GFO, you need much less flow. I don't yet have a brand preference, but plan to test a bunch of brands later this spring.

It is fine to mix GFO and carbon.