What phosphate removing media do you use?

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by mario8402, Oct 18, 2007.

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  1. mario8402

    mario8402 Fire Shrimp

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    I am about to order a phosban reactor and trying to figure out what media I should get. I have heard of some leaching which I have also read to be false, but I read on that some contain aluminum which leathers dont like blah blah.
    I have a 72gal, 98% softies. lots of leathers etc, I just dont want something thats going to kill my livestock or my wallet. Ideas?

    Thanks
    -mario
     
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  3. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    I use phosban and phosphate pads and for copper, I use curpi-sorb. Both are tied seperately into a sock in a small filter I have.. I've had good results with these three things.
     
  4. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    ROWA for phosphate remover. Nice stuff, you don't have to rinse it before you use it.
     
  5. mario8402

    mario8402 Fire Shrimp

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    [​IMG]
    $14 from marine depot.. good price. not the highest talked about though

    [​IMG]
    $42 for 500ml from marine depot.. seems steep :| . I thought this was the one that contained aluminum?

    Thanks guys, keep em coming!
     
  6. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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  7. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    I've had my PhosBan, in the sock, for about 5 months now. I'm thinking it might be time for some new. It says it's efective for "Several months". Not sure when several months is, but I can tell the difference, when it's new and not new. I'm thinking I need to change that and my Cupri-sorb soon... No, I don't test for phosphates. I can tell when they're in the tank, when everything is green!
     
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  9. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    like Otty said ROWA is the best around ..
     
  10. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

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    It's not as difficult as it may seem.

    If it's white, it's Aluminum-based and will tick off your leathers. Even Kent's phosphate sponge will in spite of the fact that it says it won't. Aluminum based phosphate removers work faster than iron based ones. However, after 2 or 3 days or so, they will de-adsorb whatever phosphates they once adsorbed.

    If they are brown or black, it is Iron-based. They work slower, can have an affect on pH if you overdo it too fast but they last a long time and don't de-adsorb unless you leave it in there for months on end.

    Remember the famous quote, "Nothing good ever happens fast in a reef tank".

    EDIT: AAARRRGGGHHH See what happens when customers keep bugging you for things. It takes an hour to answer a post and then in the mean time, other people come and give you great information.
     
  11. mario8402

    mario8402 Fire Shrimp

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    I'm not looking for a quick fix, just an accurate one. preventative maintenance if you will ;)

    Thanks for that info though, didnt know there were diff colors etc
     
  12. Nemo 2

    Nemo 2 Bristle Worm

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    i once use rowa phos and it worked fine.then i stopped and now i need it again.