Phos-sorb

[spiritwalker76]

Just a tip for people who are interested...
I had a big problem with brown algae in my 30 gallon tank. Everything tested normal, and I assumed that it was high phosphate content of my tap water that I was using for water changes. I began using distilled water for changes, but it got expensive quick. My finances, nor the size of my tank require a RO (fish only tank). The guy in my local fish store turned me on to Phos-sorb. It is a filter media that absorbs the phosphates as the water passes through the filter (I have a canister filter). So far it is working great. I can really see the difference!!! I don't know how it might effect a reef tank, but it seems to be working well in my fish only :P

[gregoryalln]

the only problem i can see is if you dont adress what is causing the algae then you will allways have tio use phos zorb

[adam2373]

This is true, it took me about 6 months to relize to NOT USE TAP WATER. RO/DI water or store bought drinking water is best.

[ajensen1427]

Perhaps there are difference in the base water quality of our respective water systems; I had exactly the opposite result with Phos Sorb.

Suffice it to say that when I set my tank up I sprung for everything except an RO/DI unit, and eventually I paid the price. The truth is that there are plenty of contaminants in city or (especially!) well water that won't harm people or pets but are murder on your reef tank. Since only pure water evaporates and leaves impurities behind, it's just a matter of time (maybe long, maybe short) that your city-water tank will reach the contaminant level of the Love Canal.

That being said, there is an excellent place to buy RO/DI units on Ebay. I'm not affiliated with this company, but I did buy their product and it was everything they said it would be. Look up the Ebay store for Filter Direct co. They sell a 110-gpd RO/DI unit w/undersink accumulator for $110, plus $25 shipping. Compare that to anything made by Kent Marine or others for price! Additionally, the undersink dispenser thing made the whole project an easy sell to my wife, who loves coffee (for which RO water is perfect).

Phos-Sorb now works perfectly for me, because all I need it to do is soak up the remaining trace phosphate levels from my pre-RO water. But that's all it will ever be... it's not going to fix a gunked-up city water tank until you go with RO.

[saltyballs]

I buy distilled water for top-offs sometimes. For 2.5 gallons its about 2 dollars. But the fish store I go to has R/O for 1 dollar for 5 gallons. This is by no means expensive at all. I've been to a store that charged 8$ for 10 gallons once. I was so mad I just didn't say anything. A dollar for five gallons should be cheap enough for anyone to be able to use R/O in any system (to a point). The only problem becomes transporting 50lbs. buckets.

I always do an even amount of buckets. Therefore carrying two at a time which can balance your arms carrying the 50lbs. objects. I haven't hurt myself yet doing it but kind of worry about it.

Tap water I believe is a big mistake to use. Not only from the phosphates but all the other trace elements that are excesive (depending on location). I hope this helps/inspires someone to use strictly R/O and to find the cheapest place to buy it at.

[vampireshark]

according to my local fish store, Phos-sorb, or anything like it is slow death to a reef tank. What they tell me is that is doesn't descriminate against any algea and kills off all the benificial algea as well. They do say it is great for a fish only tank though.

[joanadam]

I don't think Phos-sorb actually kills algae. It absorbs phosphates that encourages the growth of unwanted algae. If there is beneficial algae prospering in your tank I would not use it because the beneficial algae will overtake the undesirable algae in the ideal conditions that permitted the desirable algaes growth. Anyway, I agree with gregoryalln it is best to find the source of what is causing the undesirable algae to take over the tank, i.e. water source, etc.

[Tattfish]

im currently using phos balls by sea chem .
But here's a question , wont a fuge help as far as phosphate build up?
:?:

[stony]

I have used the product called Kent Marine Phospate Sponge. I think that this product works great and will not harm any reef inhabitants. I used tap to set up my tank but it was filtered through a counter top filter that removes metals and chlorine and titrates as well. The Phospate sponge worked great and it can be reused as well if placed into the oven on a sheet at 450 for one hour. This does work and I have had good luck using it. I use my new R.o. unit now.



~stony~