Lets get this over with, whats the best phosphate remover for the money?

ezcompany · 12/13/2006, 05:26 PM

Been seeing too much info on this, would like something conclusive, poll time!

ezcompany · 12/13/2006, 05:43 PM

Mods, can you add pura phos lock into the poll?

BLKTANG · 12/13/2006, 05:47 PM

I vote PURA Phoslock

With PURA filtration pad.

Letmegrow · 12/13/2006, 06:05 PM

Rowa used cautiously has been the best for me, but I have not tried some of those brands.

There is that liquid Phosphate remover by Blue Life called: Phosphate Control. I think Randy said it was not good to use in the case that when it precipitates out it is difficult to remove from your system. Reading the l;abel it sounds like it is strong as hell tho. 6 Drops to lower 1 ppm for every 10 gallons.

I am horrible at math but 90 drops to lower phosphate from 3 to 0 in a 300 gallon system.

dvanacker · 12/13/2006, 06:42 PM

This poll might not be very useful as most people have probably only tried one or maybe two different phosphate removers. Most people will just pick what they personally use.

ezcompany · 12/13/2006, 06:48 PM

people still have a choice before purchasing anything, and i'm sure most of us have a reason for choosing a particular product over another.

DrBDC · 12/13/2006, 07:51 PM

Since you said "for the money" I'll have to go with macroalgae.

ezcompany · 12/13/2006, 08:58 PM

rowa seems to be winning, but rowa is hell expensive...

DrBDC · 12/13/2006, 09:41 PM

I use phoban but I can't vote a second time. I plan on trying Warner next time.

King-Kong · 12/13/2006, 10:18 PM

So those running Rowaphos that think its so great; why?

(I use rowaphos, but I cant honestly say why! I played the dumb consumer and decided to buy the expensive and "fancy" german product)

old salty · 12/13/2006, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by King-Kong
So those running Rowaphos that think its so great; why?

(I use rowaphos, but I cant honestly say why! I played the dumb consumer and decided to buy the expensive and "fancy" german product)

As I sit here, scratching my head and uttering "Hmpf." I use Rowaphos, though I can certainly afford the others. I guess it comes down to product name brands that you trust. I use several products from D-D and have had excellent results with all of them. This is not to say I won't use anything else. My next purchase will be some Warner Marine stuff as I am interested in seeing for myself how well it works. If it works the same, great; better, well things will be cheaper for me; worse, then I just go back to Rowa.

bigt0706 · 12/13/2006, 11:30 PM

I use oceans blend with is a gfo and seem to get the same result at half the price

bosborn1 · 12/14/2006, 06:35 AM

Pura Phoslock and a PURA Pad. Works grest for me. I only run the Phoslock for a week or so a month. I run the PURA pad all of the time.

Scott

Stoney Mahony · 12/14/2006, 07:53 AM

I use Kent PowerPhos, lowered my levels to zero and didnt harm my tank

It is not rechargeable but it also permanently binds the phosphates so that they can not be released back into the water once absorbed. I don't mind throwing it away b/c I got a case for free from an error in shipping.

DrBDC · 12/14/2006, 08:52 AM

The permenant bonding is marketing hype. There is no known chemical that can do that. What it does is reach a homeostasis.

Stoney Mahony · 12/14/2006, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DrBDC
The permenant bonding is marketing hype. There is no known chemical that can do that. What it does is reach a homeostasis.

I have to disagree

Phosphates and silicates can be chemically bonded until something comes by with enough force/attraction to break that bond, steal somthing from it and free up the phosphates and silicates. In life, there is probably some chemical that can break the bond but in an aquarium you are dealing with specific molecules, temps, ect. The product could very well form a stronger bond than the free floating molecules in an aquarium and thus would bind phosphates and silicates "Permanently" in an aquarium. Out of an aquarium, you might be able to strip it with other chemicals that form stronger bonds but that is not what they are claiming. IME, there is NO WAY that this product reaches a homeostasis. It strips the PO4 levels down to 0 in a day or so and they dont rise at all for at least a month which is when most of the powerphos has been binded up. As far as marketing hype, I know that this is common in the aquarium market but this is the type of claim that could lead to a lawsuite if it was not true. They base the whole product on that statement. I own a colorimeter and can easily do some tests to prove if it does what it says. I have a 2 month old bag I have been using that I can place in fresh rodi water. Take before and after readings over a few weeks and it should be pretty apparent.

RichConley · 12/14/2006, 10:10 AM

Stoney, the problem is, theyre all the EXACT same compound. Granular Ferric Oxide.

Randy tested a whole bunch of them a while back, theyre almost exactly the same. The only difference he saw, was ROWA was a little less dusty than the rest of them, but cost significantly more.

DrBDC · 12/14/2006, 10:32 AM

Take a GFO that has exhausted all possible bonding sites. Then place in 0 phosphate water for awhile and see what happens. I'm not saying it's at a complete balance due to bonding sites but it will release some.

Stoney Mahony · 12/14/2006, 11:00 AM

I will definately do some tests, this stuff doesnt have any dust, its packaged damp and says that it has to stay damp to remain effective so who knows what they are doing different, maybe nothing- at this point I don't know but I have a hard time understanding what force in RODI water would be strong enough to break the ferric oxide-PO4 bond and cause it to release into the water. The colorimeter don't lie so give me 2 weeks and i will report back on this

foshizzle · 12/14/2006, 12:01 PM

I've heard a number of people claim that Phosar is better at very low PO4 concentrations than other brands...

rockindacheeks · 12/14/2006, 12:40 PM

ive only used phosban and i like it...

twon8 · 12/14/2006, 01:22 PM

chaeto all the way, by selling a few bags of it, it more than paid for itself.

GTR · 12/14/2006, 01:23 PM

I've been using the Blue Life liquid for months. I don't see the difference in worry over this product not actually removing it from the system but bonding with it. Same thing limewater does and that's been an acceptable way for years.

SteveU

jjjimmy · 12/14/2006, 03:43 PM

A refugium and proper husbandry skills.

Not having extra equipment and supplies... priceless

Covey · 12/14/2006, 10:01 PM

I've used:
PhosGuard
Phos-X
PhosBan
Rowa
Dr. F&S PhosPure

I've noticed little or no difference in the ability of them to remove phos. They ALL work Dr. F&S was by far the cheapiest. In my book GFO is GFO.

View Poll Results: What is the best phosphate remover for your system?
Rowaphos	90	35.71%
Seachem Phosguard	16	6.35%
Salifert Phosphate Killer	2	0.79%
Hagen Fluval Phosphate Remover	2	0.79%
Warner Marine Phosar	33	13.10%
Dr. Foster Smith Phos Pure	11	4.37%
Phosban	76	30.16%
Kent Phos Sponge	5	1.98%
Other (please mention)	27	10.71%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 252. You may not vote on this poll

12/13/2006, 05:26 PM	#1
ezcompany Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 4,640	Lets get this over with, whats the best phosphate remover for the money? Been seeing too much info on this, would like something conclusive, poll time!

12/13/2006, 05:43 PM	#2
ezcompany Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 4,640	Mods, can you add pura phos lock into the poll? __________________ Jin Have a nice day! Current Tank Info: IM40

12/13/2006, 05:47 PM	#3
BLKTANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Never,Never Land Posts: 7,061	I vote PURA Phoslock With PURA filtration pad. __________________ We the few have done so much,for so long,for so little.That we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. ____________________________________________________________________________ Current Tank Info: RR 90 Maganvore sump,250w Hamilton fixture,VorTec's ASM skimmer.

12/13/2006, 06:05 PM	#4
Letmegrow Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Hill Posts: 4,740	Rowa used cautiously has been the best for me, but I have not tried some of those brands. There is that liquid Phosphate remover by Blue Life called: Phosphate Control. I think Randy said it was not good to use in the case that when it precipitates out it is difficult to remove from your system. Reading the l;abel it sounds like it is strong as hell tho. 6 Drops to lower 1 ppm for every 10 gallons. I am horrible at math but 90 drops to lower phosphate from 3 to 0 in a 300 gallon system. __________________ I'll be just fine pretending I'm not. Understand, Contempt born of clear perception is a birthright to those who channel it toward progression.

12/13/2006, 06:42 PM	#5
dvanacker DID I SOUNDS SMRT?? Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ontario, CAN Posts: 3,690	This poll might not be very useful as most people have probably only tried one or maybe two different phosphate removers. Most people will just pick what they personally use. __________________ --DARRYL-- Current Tank Info: 200g SPS dominant Mixed Reef

12/13/2006, 06:48 PM	#6
ezcompany Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 4,640	people still have a choice before purchasing anything, and i'm sure most of us have a reason for choosing a particular product over another. __________________ Jin Have a nice day! Current Tank Info: IM40

12/13/2006, 07:51 PM	#7
DrBDC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ballwin, Missouri Posts: 10,358	Since you said "for the money" I'll have to go with macroalgae. __________________ Some drink at the fountain of knowledge, some just gargle, but most are rabid. Current Tank Info: 180g sps+75 softy/lps on one system tunze's, seio's, mjmods, aquacontroller w/add ons, 2X400 XM10000 and 3X160 vho actinic, 110g sump, 110 frag tank, Geo Beckett and other stuff

12/13/2006, 08:58 PM	#8
ezcompany Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 4,640	rowa seems to be winning, but rowa is hell expensive... __________________ Jin Have a nice day! Current Tank Info: IM40

12/13/2006, 09:41 PM	#9
DrBDC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ballwin, Missouri Posts: 10,358	I use phoban but I can't vote a second time. I plan on trying Warner next time. __________________ Some drink at the fountain of knowledge, some just gargle, but most are rabid. Current Tank Info: 180g sps+75 softy/lps on one system tunze's, seio's, mjmods, aquacontroller w/add ons, 2X400 XM10000 and 3X160 vho actinic, 110g sump, 110 frag tank, Geo Beckett and other stuff

12/13/2006, 10:18 PM	#10
King-Kong Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 2,346	So those running Rowaphos that think its so great; why? (I use rowaphos, but I cant honestly say why! I played the dumb consumer and decided to buy the expensive and "fancy" german product)

12/13/2006, 11:30 PM	#12
bigt0706 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dover , Fl Posts: 1,645	I use oceans blend with is a gfo and seem to get the same result at half the price __________________ if it dosent break the bank something else will Current Tank Info: 5'' 120 2x 250radiums vho atinics mp40 and tunse 6055 with multicontroller das dual resec skimmer , 70 tech oceanic with 6x36 teck t5 custom sump and miracle mud with bubble magnus cone skimmer

12/14/2006, 06:35 AM	#13
bosborn1 Registered Member. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Fairport, NY Posts: 2,579	Pura Phoslock and a PURA Pad. Works grest for me. I only run the Phoslock for a week or so a month. I run the PURA pad all of the time. Scott

12/14/2006, 07:53 AM	#14
Stoney Mahony Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 1,010	I use Kent PowerPhos, lowered my levels to zero and didnt harm my tank It is not rechargeable but it also permanently binds the phosphates so that they can not be released back into the water once absorbed. I don't mind throwing it away b/c I got a case for free from an error in shipping. __________________ "Don't these silly monkeys know that Eden has enough to go around?" MJK "Free thinkers are dangerous!" Serj Tankian Current Tank Info: 45 g hex- 50 lbs LR, Softies, Clams, LPS, wet dry, berlin skimmer w/150 watt HQI. 55 g SPS- 90 lbs LR w/ 20 g caulerpa fuge, 35 g cheato fuge w/ 98w PC. 2x 400 watt XM 20k,Berlin XL skimmer, Intermatic timer on pumps for wave action

12/14/2006, 08:52 AM	#15
DrBDC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ballwin, Missouri Posts: 10,358	The permenant bonding is marketing hype. There is no known chemical that can do that. What it does is reach a homeostasis. __________________ Some drink at the fountain of knowledge, some just gargle, but most are rabid. Current Tank Info: 180g sps+75 softy/lps on one system tunze's, seio's, mjmods, aquacontroller w/add ons, 2X400 XM10000 and 3X160 vho actinic, 110g sump, 110 frag tank, Geo Beckett and other stuff

12/14/2006, 10:10 AM	#17
RichConley Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bostonian in Chicago going to DC Posts: 9,908	Stoney, the problem is, theyre all the EXACT same compound. Granular Ferric Oxide. Randy tested a whole bunch of them a while back, theyre almost exactly the same. The only difference he saw, was ROWA was a little less dusty than the rest of them, but cost significantly more. __________________ NO TANKS!!!

12/14/2006, 10:32 AM	#18
DrBDC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ballwin, Missouri Posts: 10,358	Take a GFO that has exhausted all possible bonding sites. Then place in 0 phosphate water for awhile and see what happens. I'm not saying it's at a complete balance due to bonding sites but it will release some. __________________ Some drink at the fountain of knowledge, some just gargle, but most are rabid. Current Tank Info: 180g sps+75 softy/lps on one system tunze's, seio's, mjmods, aquacontroller w/add ons, 2X400 XM10000 and 3X160 vho actinic, 110g sump, 110 frag tank, Geo Beckett and other stuff

12/14/2006, 11:00 AM	#19
Stoney Mahony Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 1,010	I will definately do some tests, this stuff doesnt have any dust, its packaged damp and says that it has to stay damp to remain effective so who knows what they are doing different, maybe nothing- at this point I don't know but I have a hard time understanding what force in RODI water would be strong enough to break the ferric oxide-PO4 bond and cause it to release into the water. The colorimeter don't lie so give me 2 weeks and i will report back on this __________________ "Don't these silly monkeys know that Eden has enough to go around?" MJK "Free thinkers are dangerous!" Serj Tankian Current Tank Info: 45 g hex- 50 lbs LR, Softies, Clams, LPS, wet dry, berlin skimmer w/150 watt HQI. 55 g SPS- 90 lbs LR w/ 20 g caulerpa fuge, 35 g cheato fuge w/ 98w PC. 2x 400 watt XM 20k,Berlin XL skimmer, Intermatic timer on pumps for wave action

12/14/2006, 12:01 PM	#20
foshizzle Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 483	I've heard a number of people claim that Phosar is better at very low PO4 concentrations than other brands...

12/14/2006, 12:40 PM	#21
rockindacheeks Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Corona, California Posts: 2,072	ive only used phosban and i like it... __________________ My name is Dan, and I'm a closet reefer... Current Tank Info: 28g nanocube

12/14/2006, 01:22 PM	#22
twon8 Formally registered membe Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: slightly sw of richmond, va Posts: 5,920	chaeto all the way, by selling a few bags of it, it more than paid for itself. __________________ Anthony Richmond Reef Club "and as things fell apart, nobody paid much attention." Not building a wall but making a brick Current Tank Info: 300g DD display, 60g frag tank

12/14/2006, 01:23 PM	#23
GTR Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Twin Falls, ID Posts: 7,152	I've been using the Blue Life liquid for months. I don't see the difference in worry over this product not actually removing it from the system but bonding with it. Same thing limewater does and that's been an acceptable way for years. SteveU __________________ AKA, Riff

12/14/2006, 03:43 PM	#24
jjjimmy Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Algonquin, IL Posts: 2,867	A refugium and proper husbandry skills. Not having extra equipment and supplies... priceless __________________ How strange it seems that the truth is something that most do not want to hear.

12/14/2006, 10:01 PM	#25
Covey Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Davenport IA Posts: 2,018	I've used: PhosGuard Phos-X PhosBan Rowa Dr. F&S PhosPure I've noticed little or no difference in the ability of them to remove phos. They ALL work Dr. F&S was by far the cheapiest. In my book GFO is GFO.