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Phosphate Remover vs. Turbo Snail


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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 8 months later...
  • SRC Member

To clarify what does what:

Algae uses nutrients in the tank to grow, specifically nitrate. The growth rate is fairly constant provided that sufficient nitrate is available. However, the presence of phosphate helps to increase the rate of growth of the algae, leading to algal blooms. You can think of nitrate as "food" and phosphate as "vitamin" which speeds growth.

Sorb-4 or other supposed phosphate removers absorb the phosphate in the water. This helps to slow down algae growth. However, algae will still grow, although at a much reduced rate. Turbo snails can help to eat the algae that does grow. They do not directly eat phosphate. Using them to "reduce" phosphate does not work, as the amount of algae they eat is small compared to the amount that will grow with just a small phosphate problem.

You should keep your water clean by being disciplined in not over-feeding, in changing water regularly and using phosphate removers. You may then decide whether or not to also have snails depending on the amount of resulting algae growth. If your water is well maintained, you generally will not need many snails. And yes, your snail may die if there is insufficient algae, which is why you need to monitor the algae growth and not simply buy snails to put into the tank.

Be teachable always, nobody has a monopoly on wisdom. But learn to distinguish "fact" from "opinion".

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  • 5 years later...
  • 3 weeks later...
  • SRC Member

Sorb 4, Po4 Removing agent... Turbo Snails algae eater/controller... 2 totally different function.

Even with a low nitrate and po4 level, algae will still grow but not rapidly.. Using the snails will help u controll algae...

I myself using Rowaphos in a reactor and also have turbo snails...

Teh'sTankSetup Decomm on 18/8/2012

Tank: 2x1x1 Rimless Tank (Sumpless)

Lighting: Aquazonic 2x24watts T5 (Actinic x Sun White)

Moonlight: Acardia 1W Led Light (Blue)

Filter: ISTA Max Care Cannister

Skimmer: Bubble Magus E3

Chiller: Resun CL450 (Aquazonic Evo Pump)

Wave: Boyu WM-25

Commissioned 20/9/2012

Tank: 3x2x2.5

Lighting: 250w DeLighting MH/ 2x 39w Delighting Diy T5 ATI Blue Plus

Skimmer: H&S Skimmer Type 110-F2000

Chiller: CL450 (Aquazonic Evo Pump)

Return Pump: Eheim 1260

Reactor: D&D H2Ocean FMR 75 (ADA 1500 Pump)(Rowaphos)

Wavemaker: 2x SunSun Wavemaker (3000L)

Incoming:

Conch ll Basic

ATO System/Tunze Osmolator

Magic Marine 3CH Dosing Pump

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