Phosphate Media - Pros/Cons

[Meercat_Maric]

Picking up a Two Little Fishes Phosban 150 Reactor today to combat a GHA problem that is brewing.

What phosphate media should I invest into?

:uhoh2:
Phosban, Rowphos... Phosguard?

Anyone have some experience with these? Pros/Cons?

Thanks again

 

[billdogg]

save yourself a TON of $$$ - buy bulk gfo from www.bulkreefsupply.com They have great prices on carbon also. the only thing extra you get when buying those you mentioned is a fancier package. GFO is GFO

 

[HaroldT]

I used GFO from Bulk Reef Supply as well. It does a good job of reducing Phosphates. I like it.

 

[Meercat_Maric]

Good info, thanks! I just grabbed my reactor and decided to go with Phosguard. As it is not an exchange resin, it will not release back into the tank once exhausted. As well, it absorbs silicates which is also a cause of algae blooms.

Thanks again guys!

 

[Robka]

Good info, thanks! I just grabbed my reactor and decided to go with Phosguard. As it is not an exchange resin, it will not release back into the tank once exhausted. As well, it absorbs silicates which is also a cause of algae blooms.

Thanks again guys!

Is the GFO from bulkreefsupply an exchange resin? I thought their product will not release back into the tank when exhausted as well?

 

[Meercat_Maric]

I have heard that GFO releases its absorbed P04 back into your system if not changed out within recommended time lines. Phosguard is not an exchange resin and locks all that is absorbed in until it can be changed. In fact, they say you can remove the used pellettes, dry them and re-insert back into the system.

 

[DHyslop]

In fact, they say you can remove the used pellettes, dry them and re-insert back into the system.

Good luck with that

 

[Robka]

I have heard that GFO releases its absorbed P04 back into your system if not changed out within recommended time lines. Phosguard is not an exchange resin and locks all that is absorbed in until it can be changed. In fact, they say you can remove the used pellettes, dry them and re-insert back into the system.

Thanks for the info, not to high jack your thread, but does anyone else have experience with these products to verify what meercat has heard about the Phosguard product and if you truly can reuse the product because that would definitely save us all time & money:spin3:

 

[Robka]

I have heard that GFO releases its absorbed P04 back into your system if not changed out within recommended time lines. Phosguard is not an exchange resin and locks all that is absorbed in until it can be changed. In fact, they say you can remove the used pellettes, dry them and re-insert back into the system.

If you have corals, you might want to check out his link;

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/7/chemistry

Seems as if this might be the reason that most reefers use GFO.

 

[Meercat_Maric]

If you have corals, you might want to check out his link;

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/7/chemistry

Seems as if this might be the reason that most reefers use GFO.

Whoa, thanks Sublime - would definitely like to hear if this article can be referenced by any reefkeeper. I have only been using Phosguard now for a day but would prefer not to nuke my tank in the long run. :facepalm:

 

[Gandolfe]

I have phosguard in my 150 and it doesn't do anything, no reduction at all, just collects detritus.Soon as I kick my nitrate problems i'm gonna change it out for something else

 

[Meercat_Maric]

After reading the article supplied by Sublime (good article BTW) - I was awaken to the understanding of Aluminium and the adverse effects it could have on an aquarium. However, after further investigation, I now also understand that aluminium is introduced to your aquarium through a number of carriers (fish food and salt mix).

Considering these details, and the levels for exposure required for aluminium to be toxic, I am taking this information under advisement as a caution.

 

[sirreal63]

I used Phosguard long ago and found it to be very ineffective, add to that the possible Aluminum issues that could arise, I switched it out for GFO and never looked back. I prefer the HC GFO from BRS, it works great and fast.

 

[BigBarnacles]

My tank is currently ending its cycle. I busted out the Hanna digital phos checker and got a 0.10 I figured it would be high due to leaching from the pukani rock. So, I fired up the TLF Phosban 150 reactor. I used Phosban, about half of the small container. Three days later and my phos is already down to 0.06

 

[allsps40]

I really like Phosguard and Brightwells Extrax Phos, both have worked very well for me and are much cheaper than any GFO.

 

[Meercat_Maric]

After a day of running Phosguard I am noticing a significant reduction in P04 levels. I know that one days worth of low readings is only the beginning to turning the tide on my GHA problem. I will need to have sustained low readouts along with reduced nutrients and light cycle to really make an impact.

I have also added a Lawnmower Blennie to the frey. He's XL in size (approx. 3"). Although he has laid low since his introduction, I have high hopes he will start to munch away soon.

One final update, I have discovered that I have a mixture of algaes in my tank, not just Green Hair. The second culprit appears to be Bryopsis pennata and B. plumosa. A cousing to GHA, but much tougher to evict. My research tells me I have to do a lot of manual removal as well as starving the system of nutrients. Looks like i'll be adding a sturdy tooth brush to my tool belt in this battle.

Yeesh...