Reduce phosphate

[apple123]

Hi,

Can you recommend what you use to reduce phosphate?

I've been doing water changes and using biopellets (1st compartment in the sump) but its still pretty high.... <0.5 (salifert testkit)

[FuEl]

NP-biopellets do remove phosphate, but at a slower rate compared to chemical means as their removal is based on bacterial activity. If your phosphate production in the system is faster than what the bacterial activity can remove, you will still have a net amount of phosphate. You need faster means of phosphate removal like iron-based phosphate removal media to complement this product.

[amphipod]

NP-biopellets do remove phosphate, but at a slower rate compared to chemical means as their removal is based on bacterial activity. If your phosphate production in the system is faster than what the bacterial activity can remove, you will still have a net amount of phosphate. You need faster means of phosphate removal like iron-based phosphate removal media to complement this product.

Hi, how truly effective is the use of large qty of organic plants, such as chaeto, for renewal of tank water to low phosphate condition? Or are they just good for nitrate export?

Have been pondering whether a large refugium setup can be the answer to recycling tank change water.

[LaW]

Hi, how truly effective is the use of large qty of organic plants, such as chaeto, for renewal of tank water to low phosphate condition? Or are they just good for nitrate export?

Have been pondering whether a large refugium setup can be the answer to recycling tank change water.

chaeto helps with both phosphate and nitrate removal.

a huge refugium do help much more than a smaller one.

but having an efficient refugium doesn't contribute enough reason to stop doing water change.

remember, when chaeto grows, it bring in nitrate/phosphate with them, as well as many other unknown useful elements too. you need to replenish those elements and some of those elements cannot be found in standard additive yet.

hope i answer your question.

[yikai]

chaeto is only useful if grown in really large quantities. comparing to your tank size of course.

a better way would be to control your feeding and bioload. as well as regular water changes. and if need be, chemical methods

[apple123]

Hi,

Can you recommend iron-based phosphate removal media or chemical methods?

Have saw some threads on Goodbye PO4 from Henry's is it good? Mine is a reef tank.

[Thexder]

I recommend Goodbye PO4. You need a skimmer to use it.