Phosphate Removal Products

[RothChyld]

It seems there have been a lot of people having problems with their tanks recently after using a phosphate removal product. Im not a marine biologist but have had a few years experience. IMO, the best way to rid a nutrient is to find its source. Instead of trying a removal product I would always recommend regular water changes to get rid of the problem but you must find its source.

Phosphates generally come from either non-RO water or overfeeding. I would cut back feeding and make sure you do regular water changes vs. trying a phosphate removal product. That should be your last resort IMO.

Mike

 

[Crown Royal]

While I take your point on finding the source of excess phosphate, I don't think there's any cause for special concern using commercial phosphate removal products if they're properly used.

I've been using ferric oxide-based products for several years with no ill effect. I've even used an aluminum-based product and my corals didn't melt away as certain anecdotal reports has suggested.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.php

 

[mogurnda]

I'm with Randy on this one:

My advice on these products is that they can be used successfully, but that there may be better, and certainly less expensive and more interesting ways to reduce phosphate levels (such as setting up a refugium with macroalgae in it).

A lot of people here use phosphate removers with no ill effects. I have found that I don't need it, even though I feed fairly heavily.

One anecdotal observation that is worth repeating is the experience that several reefers here had when they started using phosban. After going from no phosphate remover to full-strength, they had rapid bleaching of SPS corals. Whether it was due to the product itself or a shift caused by the rapid decrease in phosphate, it was pretty ugly. Randy mentions the issue in the second article you posted. As with anything in a reef tank, it's important to start slow, I guess.

 

[Owens187]

i dont overfeed...and i use phosguard by seachem in sparing doses (about 1 tbsp) in my filter with activated carbon(2 tbsp) continuously. i have never had any ill effects! though i can see going from none to using alot could be bad. its better to use small amounts more often than large amounts sporaticly. kepps algea in check pretty good!