Anti Phosphate media

[MOssrope]

As I just shifted my tank and rescaped.

Decided to try out some researches before my main bulk of sps comes in. Lost quite a few old ones ><

This write up is bout aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and ferrous oxide (FeO) in phosphate reduction + its pros and cons.. in case some reefers missed out on the old deal, and that i feel the latter is much much much safer to use.

and that alumminium is pretty hazardous.

Looks/Appearances - since most of us do not know whats in the box when we buy it

Aluminium oxide - white powdery form, still available in market, sometimes pre-mixed in water. ( i think it can become yellow when mixed in water beforehand)

Ferrous oxide - black/brown powdery form. this is the same as your rowa, pura and whatever brand you guys use.

Reactions with water.

Aluminum oxide - may be present in water both in alkalic form (2Al2O3(s) + 6H+(aq) -> Al3+(aq) + 3H2O(l)) and in acidic form (2Al2O(s) + 2OH-(aq) -> AlO2(aq) + H2O (l)) . (insoluble)

It reacts based on different parameters of the water and forms a very strong bond in the water, which in turn is diffcuit to clear off and no marine life actually needs aluminium as supplements, which can result in aluminium poisoning if its used on a long run.

more readup

Aluminium and water in Reef

Ferrous oxide/iron(II) oxide - is insoluble in alkali but dissolves in acid. The bond is not as strong aluminium oxide but the best part bout it is, when theres a reaction, iron has its uses in a reef tank though too much of course aint good.

Iron usages and Reef usage

Commercial form

Aluminium oxide - comes usually in powdery form as mentioned above, if they come in bigger pieces like your rowa/pura the bond is too strong and reactions will be low.

Ferrous oxide - come usually in granular form. Weaker bonds as itself, able to keep its form even with reaction.

I am not too sure whats the end products of the reactions for both but ferrous oxide is tested and proven, even if it exhaust you still see it at the end of the year.

Aluminium oxide

Pros

- reduces large amounts of phosphates(but not to zero)

- cheap ( but removes your pants in the long run)

- increases skimmage

Cons

- Strong bonds stay firm in water, no usage and cause poisoning even

- Makes skimmage smell very strongly like burnt plastic

- drives KH down. ( probably cause its not pure )

Ferrous oxide

Pros

- reduces large amounts of phosphates and can till zero

- Safe/Reliable based on reactions and usage in a reef among the two

- Tested and proven by even yourself

Cons

- expensive

my brain stopped here let me update when i think off more.

Analogy

Aluminium is cheap but has many drawbacks which i have not even added in yet.

It still can be used if you simply refused to change water but need to bring a high level phosphate infected tank down but definitely not on a long run basis. The smell's really bad trust me.

This test material has been shelved till future accidents.

For now back to ferrous oxide in FR.

Some tests here.

Phosban vs Rowa

do correct me over any mistakes.

what you pay is what u get.

[MOssrope]

seachem's phosguard is aluminium oxide. but it doesnt fully break down to dissolve in water unlike the powder versions.

goodbye po4 is apparently none of the above two.. never got my hands onto one.

[jackywongto]

wow thanks for sharing Mossrope!

enlightening,.. will always make sure I get the brown ones

[CFOh]

seachem's phosguard is aluminium oxide. but it doesnt fully break down to dissolve in water unlike the powder versions.

goodbye po4 is apparently none of the above two.. never got my hands onto one.

probably.. can get more advice from Henry... on GoodByePO4.... He is very helpful reef guru....

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=82743