replacing phosban

Just got a reactor and have the media tumbling inside. Its been running for over a week and I haven't seen any decrease in algae. Does it just take awhile or is it possible that the media is already saturated with phosphate and now needs to be replaced?

 

It will take a lot longer than a week to see noticeable reduction in algae epitoke

depending on what your phosphate level was to start with GFO could be exhausted within a few hours of it being introduced

as the phosphates are removed from water column, phosphate will also be being released from rockwork and substrate etc, so you may run GFO media for a while and not notice any significant PO4 reduction unless you change it frequently to compensate

how much media are you using and in what size aquarium?

manual removal of as much algae as you can get is a good starting point, as decaying algae also releases phosphates thus to some extent it will fuel its own existance

Steve

 

If you are using PhosBan make sure to watch your ALK!! This media will drop your alk faster than anything iv seen. Test your alk daily, make adjustments throughout the week.

Also I'm pretty sure PhosBan should never tumble, from what iv experienced its a low flow phosphate media vs GFO is a higher flow phosphate media that should tumble.

 

Steve,

I've been removing as much as I can manually but it's always back a few days later and I start all over. I've recently introduced a phosban reactor and a sump with a new skimmer and just added some chaeto and some pods. But I'm still tinkering with the levels because the flow doesn't seem to stay steady for very long but I'm determined to get rid of this algae once and for all. Also broke down and added a sea hare 2 days ago. I'm keeping a close eye on him.
As far as how much I'm not too sure since I'm at work. I have probably 2 cups running right now.

Biocube
I'll test Alk tonight. And also slow down my flow through the reactor. Should I just be running GFO instead?

Also thanks for the help guys.

 

I use PhosBan because I like to use Carbon & Phosban in the same reactor. Carbon works better with lower flow along with PhosBan. I know GFO is better ect..

Directions for PhosBan:

Directions: PhosBan can be rinsed briefly before use, but since it is friable, do NOT stir the granules, which would pulverize them. Put PhosBan in a tightly-packed media bag or between two layers of fine filter floss in any kind of flow-through filter or filter chamber so that the water is directed through it diffusely. PhosBan is best used in an up-flow filter such as the PhosBan Reactor, but the flow must be reduced sufficiently to prevent the granules from tumbling, which would grind them into powder.
Recommended Usage: 50 g per 50 gal (200 l) saltwater, 50 g per 100 gal freshwater. PhosBan is safe and can be used at more than 5 times the recommended usage quantity, but at high dosages, it can cause a drop in alkalinity. Monitor alkalinity and correct if necessary with buffer or other alkalinity supplements. The useful life of PhosBan depends on the phosphate concentration in the aquarium. PhosBan can be effective for up to several months before it needs to be changed. Replace PhosBan when phosphate levels begin to rise.


Directions for GFO:

Place GFO in suitable reactor

Place the reactor's return line into a bucket or sink

Turn on the feed pump to flush the fines from the GFO until the water runs clear

Place the return line in the tank

Reduce the flow through the reactor so the GFO barely tumbles on the surface.
Do not allow the material to vigorously tumble.

Change the media when phosphate levels rise, typically 4-8 weeks.