Phosphate Removal Media Comparison Analysis?

[Elgringodiablo]

I am having a bit of a conundrum about what PO4 removal media to use. My tanks are pretty heavily stocked, so I find myself changing my media on a fairly regular basis.

My Triton ICP results have a number of flags coming up that identify my GFO media as a potential source of contamination. Primarily: Silicon, Barium and Aluminum. They suggest using the Triton AL99, RowaPhos or Phosban media. I currently use BRS High Capacity.

Has anyone compared cost and performance of these different medias? I've only used standard BRS GFO and BRS HC GFO (which generally costs twice as much but requires half as much). Honestly, I haven't heard anything good about the Triton AL99 media, so probably won't even bother with that unless someone can provide compelling data to prove the reviews wrong.

From the looks of things, Rowa and Phosban look expensive, but I don't really know if they'll last me twice as long, or require use of less media. I'd appreciate any insights before I dump a bunch of cash on testing different PO4 removal medias.

Thanks!

 

[rockslide123]

Sounds like an interesting case for BRS investigates

 

[Elgringodiablo]

Sounds like an interesting case for BRS investigates

While I put a lot of trust in BRS research and trust that they provide relatively unbiased opinions... they have a horse in that race. It's a shame I don't have the resources and facilities to conduct these types of tests. Some of it would be as simple as running a cup of media in a reactor for a week in a clean 5 gallon bucket of RO/DI water then getting the ICP tests done.

What would be even better is if the manufactures of these products, whether they be foods, additives, salt mix, ceramic frag racks... should be working with people like Triton to ensure that their products are safe...

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Sounds like an interesting case for BRS investigates

Sounds to me like a case of "buy our product, not theirs" lol

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I personally disagree with their recommendations, and do not think they have merit, except perhaps the barium issue.

Can you tell us the levels of Si, Al and Ba?