phosphates from carbon

[davec1234]

Have someone heard of phosphates being cause from the use of carbon? Phosphates r hi can't figure where they are coming from!!:mad2:

 

[soulsigma]

Cheap Carbon leaches phosphates

Cheap Carbon leaches phosphates

Yes, the lower grade carbons (A.K.A. cheap carbon) are famous for leaching phosphates into the water cloum. Also all forzen foods cotain trace amounts of phosphate used as a presevative, you can elimate this by risning the food with RO/DI water. Tap water can also contain phosphates, in addition to over feeding and poor filter husbandry .

If your carbon is the true cause of your phophates and you have ruled out all of thee above then, I would recomend Seachems Sea Gel or Renew also by Seachem. I alternate between the two and find that they work just fine for my system.

 

[cee]

I soak all carbon for about 24 hours+ in DI water. 1st round is almost-boiling water and try to exchange it with fresh DI water every 8 hours. All carbon can contain phosphates. LR also absorbs phosphates.

 

[fishdoc11]

If you want to check your carbon for phosphates you can soak a piece in DI water and then test it a few hours later. I have been suprised at some of the higher grades of carbon that contain it. At any rate if you have phosphate problems it's likely from things other than your carbon. A full sandbed/old live sand, old live rock, detritus building up in the fuge/sump, RO/DI filter not working properly or not using one.......the list goes on and on. It's basically nutrients building up or being introduced.

Chris

 

[davec1234]

what is a easy way to keep it in control.Does a phosphate reactor work to control it? An how easy is it to set up,operate?Everything else is good nitrate 0 calcium 430.Thanks for the help.