Amount of Phosban to use?

[Reefltx]

I've been using about 1/2 cup (10tbsp) of Phosban in a reactor for my 40g. After reading a bit, I've noticed people using a lot less. .6 cups was the amount I got from BRS calculator. Phosban recommends a gram per gallon, but I don't have any thing that measure in grams. Any advice would be great.

 

[skinz78]

I think you are in the correct neighborhood with what you are using. If things aren't reacting poorly I'd keep on doing what you are doing.

 

[AZDesertRat]

BRS is WAY too high in their dosages!
I don't know what they are thinking other than selling you lots of GFO but they are twice the recommended dosage of EVERY other vendor and the manufacturers.
Full dosage is 10 grams or 1 level tablespoonfull per 10 gallons of system water so in your case 40 grams or 4 spoons full is full strength.
All vendors recommendstarting with a half dose to begin with and work up to the 10 grams per 10 gallons over time. I find after I get my phosphates under control it better to run a half dose at all times and change more frequently rather than a full dose and less frequent changes. The media starts to foul or plug with detritus before it is exhausted so its better to change more frequently.

I'd love to find out why they recommend so much when they go against everything known about the media?

 

[Bandomo]

Can you really harm the tank by adding to much Phosban? I though the only reason manufacturers have a recommended dosing is because GFO lowers your alkalinity shorty after being introduced to the system. So as long as you keep a close eye on your alkalinity, over dosing shouldn't be a problem. I usually run a little over a cup on my 50 breeder and never experienced and harm other than great water quality.

 

[caudill187]

I use as much as I can Is phosban more potent that the GFO BRS sells?

 

[AZDesertRat]

Absolutely you can do harm. There are hundreds of articles and threads discussing bleached corals from too much and too soon. Its well documented.

 

[gws3]

Start low and work your way up. If you have montis keep an eye on them. I have always found they are the first to show stress when using too much GFO.