Algae reactor and phosphate remover

[frenchie01]

Does anybody who runs an algae reactor also use any type of phosphate remover or do you solely rely on the algae?

 

[frenchie01]

Any body?

 

[Lynchdude]

I only use my algae reactor and carbon personally. I run two phosban 150’s on my 90 gallon cube with a Rio 1000 pump. I harves algae every 3-4 weeks out of every other reactor. I do have a light fish load though.

 

[Roggio]

The problem with phosphate removers is it's so easy to overdose. They also tend to pull out trace elements. While many don't feel it's applicable in the reef tank I believe in the Redfield Ratio. By completely removing phosphates it throws the nitrates off balance.

Algae is a great method, it won't pull too much and you can even reduce/eliminate a ph swing when you run your lights on an opposing schedule.

 

[Lynchdude]

The problem with phosphate removers is it's so easy to overdose. They also tend to pull out trace elements. While many don't feel it's applicable in the reef tank I believe in the Redfield Ratio. By completely removing phosphates it throws the nitrates off balance.

Algae is a great method, it won't pull too much and you can even reduce/eliminate a ph swing when you run your lights on an opposing schedule.

I wholly agree in algae as the best method along with aggressive skimming. Since I removed my GFO and increased algae my nitrates and phosphates are more balanced and consistently low even with minimal water changes. If/when algae growth slows nutrients other than nitrates and phosphates can be the limiting factor. Either large 25-35% waterchange to replace elements or dosing of an plant food such as iron or use of Triton core7 dosing can replace missing elements.