Is there a difference between fresh and saltwater PHOSPHATE remover

[LeoE]

Hello,
I am relatively new to this hobby and have a big problem with algae. my aquarium has already cycled but I have very high photsphat values because I have extreme algae growth. My question now is: Is there a difference between fresh and saltwater phosphate removers since I think I bought one for freshwater??

 

[Spare time]

From most of what I have seen on products they tend to be universal. Which one did you get?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

what did you buy?

 

[LeoE]

From most of what I have seen on products they tend to be universal. Which one did you get?

I got the Phosphate Minus from Tetra

 

[Spare time]

I got the Phosphate Minus from Tetra

I am not sure what the ingredients are so hopefully randy knows

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I probably wouldn't use it, but it may be OK.

It looks to be iron sulfate dissolved in acid. It will likely work to precipitate iron phosphate (some folks already do this, though not super common, using different products), but the acid may tend to reduce alkalinity. It will also certainly boost iron, which often is desirable, but may also spur algae.

 

[LeoE]

I probably wouldn't use it, but it may be OK.

It looks to be iron sulfate dissolved in acid. It will likely work to precipitate iron phosphate (some folks already do this, though not super common, using different products), but the acid may tend to reduce alkalinity. It will also certainly boost iron, which often is desirable, but may also spur algae.

Thank you for your help! Can you recommend any other phosphate removers?

 

[homer1475]

GFO, lanthanum chloride, carbon dosing. Are the ones that come to mind off the top of my head.

 

[homer1475]

Forgot about Phosphate RX by blue life. Apparently it's all Melev uses.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Those are reasonable choices. I mostly used GFO and macroalgae growth for phosphate export, and also used organic carbon dosing , skimming and GAC (but I think those are not very effective at phosphate reduction).