NO3:PO4-X filtration clogging

[don_chuwish]

I know I'm not the first to experience this, but is it something that eventually clears up? At first I was dosing just 10ml in my 130G system. Result within 24 hours was totally clogged filter socks and carbon canisters. After several days of dosing and changing filter socks I just stopped for a couple of days. No more clogging.
Then I started again with just 5ml. It took a little longer, but socks clogged again.

Is it a common early stage phenomenon that goes away after a while?

 

[Scdell]

Yes it will go away in time. You will use less as you bring your nitrates down. I had the same thing when I first starting using it. But dang if it didn't bring the nitrates down. I'm using 1 ml a day now. Filter socks last like normal.

 

[don_chuwish]

Thanks! Guess I'll stop the carbon for now and switch to mesh socks.

 

[lion king]

When you get it dialed in it may decrease but it will always be a problem. Dialing your skimmer to a wetter skimmate also helps. I've been using it on one tank almost 2 years and another a year, filter socks clog super fast and keeping your pumps and lines clear of gunk has to part of normal maintenance. If I dial it back to where this is not an issue, it does not control the level of nitrates to my liking.