phosphate sponge bad?

DRoy1124 · 12/28/2008, 01:03 PM

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with phosphate sponge's...I believe i have a few phosphates in my tank becuase i have a small amount of diatom and the only thing i can come up with is phosphates........How well do these things work?
Thanks!

DRoy1124 · 12/28/2008, 02:55 PM

bump! help!

THolleyH46 · 12/28/2008, 03:00 PM

I run PhosGuard occasionally, you put it in a media bag and place it in a high flow area (after rinsing) and leave it for a few weeks. Take it out, dry it, and then you can run it again if necessary.

Denbf58 · 12/28/2008, 03:05 PM

did you test for it our are you guessing what

Ncastro1981 · 12/28/2008, 04:17 PM

so...??? What type of bag do you use??? i have a media bag but does the size of the holes in bag critical? Can i throw it in my norm. 200 micron sock filter after rinsing?

THolleyH46 · 12/28/2008, 04:23 PM

That should be fine

Ncastro1981 · 12/28/2008, 04:27 PM

and just reinstall it as norm. so one of the overflows dumps through it??? can i then remove the media and wash and reuse the sock like i would normally?

seapug · 12/28/2008, 05:59 PM

Diatoms are typically caused by excess silicate. Are you using an RO system for source water?
If it's cyanobacteria then it could be nutrient-related.

I've used the Phosphate sponges in my tanks in the past but my soft corals always closed up for weeks. If you use a PhosBan reactor with a GFO (granular ferric oxide) media it can take out the Phosphate and silicate that fuels a lot of slime and film type algae.

Ncastro1981 · 12/28/2008, 06:45 PM

No I use tap water. But have tested it for everything i would test for in my reef and its as clean as it gets. Living in vermont in the deep woods, we draw our water from a natural spring that leaches out through the mountains. I have no reason why not to use it as it has no sources of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, copper, or phosphate according to my API test kits. I am waiting for my replacements but cant think of a reason why not to use it. Can you think of any? Maybe silica, i have never tested for it...

fish2me · 12/28/2008, 07:15 PM

Hey Tholley,

How do you attach your PhosGuard media bag in a high flow area? I want to use one as well, but not sure how to place near a high flow area for best results.

thomasp123 · 12/28/2008, 07:27 PM

i use pura pads and phosphates went to below measurerable levels. no bad effects on softies or lps
tom

Ncastro1981 · 12/28/2008, 09:30 PM

i am not familier. is that the actual name and how do you use them?

rgrobe · 12/28/2008, 09:40 PM

Well water is often high in mineral content which may include silica. You should test the water used for make up.

Phosphates can be removed with pads as well as other media. I use PhosBan in a TLF reactor. It works very well and I have kept my phosphates near 0 on a regular basis.

Ncastro1981 · 12/28/2008, 10:26 PM

anyone know what he experation is on test kits? API?

THolleyH46 · 12/28/2008, 10:31 PM

Whatever you use for filtration, add it there. If you have a canister, put it in there. I have a basket with holes I hook on to a baffle in the sump. Place the media there and as the water rolls over the baffle it goes through the basket, hence through the media.

fish2me · 01/01/2009, 05:59 PM

I have an Emperor 400. It has those plastic media holders. When I used it for fresh water, I used charcoal. What would you recommend?

backinthegame37 · 01/01/2009, 09:33 PM

I just started using phos-zorb in my tank..Has anyone used this product with decent results?

backinthegame37 · 01/01/2009, 09:34 PM

I just started using phos-zorb in one of my tanks..Has anyone used this product with decent results?

Ncastro1981 · 01/02/2009, 08:14 AM

I used the kent phosphate removal media and the next day found my zoos closed and many of my softies not liking life. I did a water change and in another day it all came back to norm. look for the stuff with out aluminum in it I guess that was my issue....

jasonrp104 · 01/02/2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fish2me
I have an Emperor 400. It has those plastic media holders. When I used it for fresh water, I used charcoal. What would you recommend?

I just put some sort of bio media in them as the water doesn't really interact with the baskets as much as it does with the filter cartriges. Now I'm just keeping the baskets wet for my QT tank

Cut the top of the sponge on the cartriges and put the media in them. Once it's in, give them a rinse to remove small particles or just use filter pads. After I got sick of dealing with the mess of media, I just started loading my cartirges with pads and I thought it worked even better.

Hob filters are terrible for flow but combined with a few powerheads they work really well on a budget

thomasp123 · 01/02/2009, 09:34 AM

Sorry about the delay but The pura pads are a brand name you should be able to find them in the local fish store

fish2me · 01/02/2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jasonrp104
Cut the top of the sponge on the cartriges and put the media in them. Once it's in, give them a rinse to remove small particles or just use filter pads. After I got sick of dealing with the mess of media, I just started loading my cartirges with pads and I thought it worked even better.

I like that. I'll give it a shot!

12/28/2008, 01:03 PM	#1
DRoy1124 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 61	phosphate sponge bad? Just wondering if anyone has any experience with phosphate sponge's...I believe i have a few phosphates in my tank becuase i have a small amount of diatom and the only thing i can come up with is phosphates........How well do these things work? Thanks! __________________ -David- Fort Thomas, KY 75 Gallon Reef

12/28/2008, 02:55 PM	#2
DRoy1124 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 61	bump! help! __________________ -David- Fort Thomas, KY 75 Gallon Reef

12/28/2008, 03:00 PM	#3
THolleyH46 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 210	I run PhosGuard occasionally, you put it in a media bag and place it in a high flow area (after rinsing) and leave it for a few weeks. Take it out, dry it, and then you can run it again if necessary. __________________ TOM "No, I didn't spill any water on the floor near any electrical cords!" Current Tank Info: 120 Tall reef tank

12/28/2008, 03:05 PM	#4
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	did you test for it our are you guessing what __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

12/28/2008, 04:23 PM	#6
THolleyH46 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 210	That should be fine __________________ TOM "No, I didn't spill any water on the floor near any electrical cords!" Current Tank Info: 120 Tall reef tank

12/28/2008, 04:17 PM	#5
Ncastro1981 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Vermont- The Green Mountain State Posts: 363	so...??? What type of bag do you use??? i have a media bag but does the size of the holes in bag critical? Can i throw it in my norm. 200 micron sock filter after rinsing?

12/28/2008, 04:27 PM	#7
Ncastro1981 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Vermont- The Green Mountain State Posts: 363	and just reinstall it as norm. so one of the overflows dumps through it??? can i then remove the media and wash and reuse the sock like i would normally? __________________ Float like a Cadillac Sting Like a Beemer (my 2.5 y/o son's favorite quote) Your the foam left on the beach after high tide Current Tank Info: 48 x 24 x24 Reef with a 24 x 12 Sump Attached to a 30 x 13.5 Refugium: 2 150 w mh 2/96 w PC Aqua c ev-120 skimmer with mag 7. CHAETO and 200 MICRON Bag, phosphate/carbon reactor,120w pc lighting over refug.

12/28/2008, 05:59 PM	#8
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	Diatoms are typically caused by excess silicate. Are you using an RO system for source water? If it's cyanobacteria then it could be nutrient-related. I've used the Phosphate sponges in my tanks in the past but my soft corals always closed up for weeks. If you use a PhosBan reactor with a GFO (granular ferric oxide) media it can take out the Phosphate and silicate that fuels a lot of slime and film type algae. __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

12/28/2008, 06:45 PM	#9
Ncastro1981 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Vermont- The Green Mountain State Posts: 363	No I use tap water. But have tested it for everything i would test for in my reef and its as clean as it gets. Living in vermont in the deep woods, we draw our water from a natural spring that leaches out through the mountains. I have no reason why not to use it as it has no sources of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, copper, or phosphate according to my API test kits. I am waiting for my replacements but cant think of a reason why not to use it. Can you think of any? Maybe silica, i have never tested for it... __________________ Float like a Cadillac Sting Like a Beemer (my 2.5 y/o son's favorite quote) Your the foam left on the beach after high tide Current Tank Info: 48 x 24 x24 Reef with a 24 x 12 Sump Attached to a 30 x 13.5 Refugium: 2 150 w mh 2/96 w PC Aqua c ev-120 skimmer with mag 7. CHAETO and 200 MICRON Bag, phosphate/carbon reactor,120w pc lighting over refug.

12/28/2008, 07:15 PM	#10
fish2me Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 6	Hey Tholley, How do you attach your PhosGuard media bag in a high flow area? I want to use one as well, but not sure how to place near a high flow area for best results.

12/28/2008, 07:27 PM	#11
thomasp123 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hadley MA Posts: 345	i use pura pads and phosphates went to below measurerable levels. no bad effects on softies or lps tom

12/28/2008, 09:30 PM	#12
Ncastro1981 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Vermont- The Green Mountain State Posts: 363	i am not familier. is that the actual name and how do you use them? __________________ Float like a Cadillac Sting Like a Beemer (my 2.5 y/o son's favorite quote) Your the foam left on the beach after high tide Current Tank Info: 48 x 24 x24 Reef with a 24 x 12 Sump Attached to a 30 x 13.5 Refugium: 2 150 w mh 2/96 w PC Aqua c ev-120 skimmer with mag 7. CHAETO and 200 MICRON Bag, phosphate/carbon reactor,120w pc lighting over refug.

12/28/2008, 09:40 PM	#13
rgrobe Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Diego area Posts: 416	Well water is often high in mineral content which may include silica. You should test the water used for make up. Phosphates can be removed with pads as well as other media. I use PhosBan in a TLF reactor. It works very well and I have kept my phosphates near 0 on a regular basis.

12/28/2008, 10:26 PM	#14
Ncastro1981 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Vermont- The Green Mountain State Posts: 363	anyone know what he experation is on test kits? API? __________________ Float like a Cadillac Sting Like a Beemer (my 2.5 y/o son's favorite quote) Your the foam left on the beach after high tide Current Tank Info: 48 x 24 x24 Reef with a 24 x 12 Sump Attached to a 30 x 13.5 Refugium: 2 150 w mh 2/96 w PC Aqua c ev-120 skimmer with mag 7. CHAETO and 200 MICRON Bag, phosphate/carbon reactor,120w pc lighting over refug.

12/28/2008, 10:31 PM	#15
THolleyH46 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 210	Whatever you use for filtration, add it there. If you have a canister, put it in there. I have a basket with holes I hook on to a baffle in the sump. Place the media there and as the water rolls over the baffle it goes through the basket, hence through the media. __________________ TOM "No, I didn't spill any water on the floor near any electrical cords!" Current Tank Info: 120 Tall reef tank

01/01/2009, 05:59 PM	#16
fish2me Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 6	I have an Emperor 400. It has those plastic media holders. When I used it for fresh water, I used charcoal. What would you recommend?

01/01/2009, 09:33 PM	#17
backinthegame37 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 28	I just started using phos-zorb in my tank..Has anyone used this product with decent results?

01/01/2009, 09:34 PM	#18
backinthegame37 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 28	I just started using phos-zorb in one of my tanks..Has anyone used this product with decent results?

01/02/2009, 08:14 AM	#19
Ncastro1981 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Vermont- The Green Mountain State Posts: 363	I used the kent phosphate removal media and the next day found my zoos closed and many of my softies not liking life. I did a water change and in another day it all came back to norm. look for the stuff with out aluminum in it I guess that was my issue.... __________________ Float like a Cadillac Sting Like a Beemer (my 2.5 y/o son's favorite quote) Your the foam left on the beach after high tide Current Tank Info: 48 x 24 x24 Reef with a 24 x 12 Sump Attached to a 30 x 13.5 Refugium: 2 150 w mh 2/96 w PC Aqua c ev-120 skimmer with mag 7. CHAETO and 200 MICRON Bag, phosphate/carbon reactor,120w pc lighting over refug.

01/02/2009, 09:34 AM	#21
thomasp123 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hadley MA Posts: 345	Sorry about the delay but The pura pads are a brand name you should be able to find them in the local fish store