Phosphate Control

[MrMongoose]

What is everyone useing to keep thier Phosphates low? I just added a media bag of "Phos-X". I'm wondering if their is a type or brand that stands out among the rest and being much better. Thanks
-Nathan

[mwood]

Have used rowaphos and was ok. Am now trying phos-buster as is cheaper. I think phos-buster's instructions are a little aggressive and would go slower than they recommend.

Marcus

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I primarily use macroalgae, skimming,and carbon.

If you want to use a phosphate binder, I'd suggest using iron based types (such as Rowaphos, Phosphate Killer, Phosban,etc, they are all brown/black) over other types (often white).

These articles may help:

Phosphorus: Algae’s Best Friend
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...t2002/chem.htm

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

Aluminum and aluminum-based phosphate binders
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...y2003/chem.htm

[mwood]

What is phos-buster? How would you classify it?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I presume you mean CaribSea's 2 part phosphate removing liquid?

I'm not familiar with exactly how it works, and as such, wouldn't recommend it.

[mwood]

It's now a one part, but yes. I wish I could get more info. Is supposed to bind organic phosphates to be removed by a skimmer. Sounds like other products I've heard of like algone. How would it compare to vodka, no comparison?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Is it brown and possibly a soluble iron additive?

I can't really say how it compares without knowing what it is.

[mwood]

It's clear/blue.

[Hobster]

Originally posted by MrMongoose
What is everyone useing to keep thier Phosphates low? I just added a media bag of "Phos-X". I'm wondering if their is a type or brand that stands out among the rest and being much better. Thanks
-Nathan

Anyone know what the active ingredient of Phos_X is??

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I do not. Sorry.