Quick phosphate removal question

90sShooter

90sShooter

Active member
My hair algae problem is getting worse so it is time to do something about it. I am about to order a phosphate reactor. Actually, I am looking to purchase the ViaAqua Poly-Reactor so I can run carbon and phosphate removal media in the same reactor. Is this a good idea? My tank is only 45g...

My question is, what is the best phosphate removal media? I am looking at Kent Marine Phosphate sponge and seachem Phosguard so far. Any other recommendations? What are you guys using with success?

Thanks in advance!
 
Hey,

People have been recommending running two separate reactors... something about you can't always get the media tumbling correctly on the dual ones.

I have the poly reactor that came with a rio pump. It was like $50. Works just fine for me.

I run carbon in a sock in the sump.

Cody
 
You CAN daisy chain them, but I prefer not to. Phosphate media likes a very slow flow rate while carbon does better with high flow rates. I like Rowa and Warner Marine Phosar GFO
 
interesting... wonder why carbon would need a high flow rate? quick absorbtion rate?

Any experience with Kent Marine Phosphate sponge or the Seachem stuff? I was also looking at teh Warner Marine phosar, I think that may be the ticket...
 
I really don't have room in my stand to run two reactors, plus the poly-reactor is right in my bidget ;) so I am pretty stuck on that one. I read people put the media in media bags and then in the reactor for easy changing. Is this the best way to go? Is there any reason to keep the two medias seperate or can they be mixed together? just curious...
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15244634#post15244634 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 90sShooter
I really don't have room in my stand to run two reactors, plus the poly-reactor is right in my bidget ;) so I am pretty stuck on that one. I read people put the media in media bags and then in the reactor for easy changing. Is this the best way to go? Is there any reason to keep the two medias seperate or can they be mixed together? just curious...
Click to expand...

From what i have read it depends on what kind of media you use. If you use the smaller type it needs to be lightly tumbled to avoid solidification and if you use the larger Mm pieces then just a good flow is required as it wont solidify.
 
carbon is larger and thus heavier then most phos media. You will need higher flow to turn the carbon over. If you have too much flow for phos it will grind into a mush and may flow out of the reactor.

I have via aqua 20/20 and the 30/30 version. I would recommend the 20/20 for phos and 30/30 for the carbon but the 20/20 would work for carbon also. Reason why I recommend the 30/30 for carbon is that you get to put in a lot more media but kinda need a better pump.

I like the WM HC it is more expensive then the lower grade but works great.

If you want Rowa I have a large bucket that still has a good amount let for a cheap price.
 
I am just running a Remora HOB but should be borderline sufficient for 50g of water and a medium bioload as far as fish goes...

Lam - is that ROWAphos or ROWAcarbon? I would be interested if it is ROWAphos, that stuff is supposed to be pretty good right? PM me and let me know how much.
 
I've been just running a bag of Rowa that hangs right in front of my overflow output in the sump. Seems to have been working b/c my Cyano is going away.
 
Mark - I have noticed that the skimmer has not been as loud (usually very loud) and that I am not getting much skimmate lately even with the cup all the way down. I just took it out and looked at it, turns out there was a crab shell and a bunch of crap clogging the MaxiJet intake. I cleaned it all up and put it back. Seems to be making more bubbles. We will see if this helps. I am still gonna get a phosphate reactor though... worse case I can use it to run my carbon cause the bag in the sump just isn't very effecient...

Thanks for pointing that out.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15244777#post15244777 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 90sShooter
I am just running a Remora HOB but should be borderline sufficient for 50g of water and a medium bioload as far as fish goes...

Lam - is that ROWAphos or ROWAcarbon? I would be interested if it is ROWAphos, that stuff is supposed to be pretty good right? PM me and let me know how much.
Click to expand...

Yes, Rowa Phos is supposed to be "the best".
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15244891#post15244891 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 90sShooter
Mark - I have noticed that the skimmer has not been as loud (usually very loud) and that I am not getting much skimmate lately even with the cup all the way down. I just took it out and looked at it, turns out there was a crab shell and a bunch of crap clogging the MaxiJet intake. I cleaned it all up and put it back. Seems to be making more bubbles. We will see if this helps. I am still gonna get a phosphate reactor though... worse case I can use it to run my carbon cause the bag in the sump just isn't very effecient...

Thanks for pointing that out.
Click to expand...

Are you using the pre-filter box for your HOB remora? If not, I think I may have my old one laying around some where.
 
no room or need for that... As far as I know, the only reason for the prefilter is to hide the pump when used in a display. I do have one on my 55g though...
 
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