media replacement

[catseyecoral]

hey randy,
I was wondering if there are any cheaper medias out there that would combat phospate? also another carbon type media, does it exist?... Looking to save money. phosguard pellets costs too much. Is there anything that I can use other than macro algae that is cheaper? Thanks.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don't recommend Phosguard due to the potential release of aluminum:

Aluminum and aluminum-based phosphate binders
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2003/chem.htm

If you want to use such media, I'd recommend the iron based media, but I do not know of an especially cheap source that is suitable:

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


I most prefer growing macroalgae for phosphate export. This article has more details on other methods:


Phosphorus: Algae’s Best Friend
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm

I use Marineland Black Diamond Carbon, and do not know of any especially inexpensive carbons that I can recommend. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Hobster]

Does anyone know if this product works and what it is? Just states a "ceramic" Seems like it takes a lot of it (1 qt) to lower from .1 to .05. But you get to cook it after:D

http://www.kentmarine.com/saltwater/ps2.html

[catseyecoral]

Thank you... very interesting articles and definately an eye opener....:thumbsup:

I have another question... I have been using an aluminum mixer that I hook up to a drill in a plastic bucket. I use it to mix limewater. could that also be adding to aluminum in my tank?

Also, what type of macro would you reccomend? I have tried caulerpa before in my sump but it usually dies on me. perhaps it takes in as much phos as is available and then dies???

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Does anyone know if this product works and what it is? Just states a "ceramic" Seems like it takes a lot of it (1 qt) to lower from .1 to .05. But you get to cook it after


I believe that is also aluminum-based, and I'd look for other products. I'd avoid any that are white.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I have another question... I have been using an aluminum mixer that I hook up to a drill in a plastic bucket. I use it to mix limewater. could that also be adding to aluminum in my tank?


I wouldn't use alumunim metal in limewater. Aluminum can actually dissolve fairly well at high pH. I even have a patent on silica coatings on aluminum to prevent dissolution of the aluminum at elevated pH.

Also, what type of macro would you reccomend? I have tried caulerpa before in my sump but it usually dies on me. perhaps it takes in as much phos as is available and then dies???

I use Chaetomorpha and Caulerpa racemosa. What Caulerpa species did you use? Soemtimes iron additions help it a lot. Some Caulerpa species reproduce and then die, but I've not had that happen with normal Caulerpa racemosa.