Phosphate rx problem

[gearhead]

I have dosed this in the past and works well. But I recently purchased 2 very expensive tangs A long-nosed black tang and a gem tang who have been housed together so I bought them both. I dosed 5 drops into my skimmer as I have in the past for my 90 gal system. Within 10 min they both were gasping for air. I did a 50% water change and changed out my carbon. The next day they were back to normal thank god. I just wanted everyone to know this they don't make the same mistake. I researched this and it seems other people have had problems with zebrasoma tangs.

 

[PlasmaBoy]

My yellow tang has no problems with phosphate Rx, I turn the skimmer off and pop 6 drops in and turn back on. No issues, but that's a yellow tang. My phosphate is low anyway, so not much particulates when it bonds. Phosphate rx is a god send when used right.

 

[Reef AquaCult]

Glad they’re ok! This product is likely lanthanum chloride which forms immediate crystals/precipitate once added to the tank and is known to cause problems specifically with tang gills and breathing. Next time if you are to use the product again, be sure to slowly drip into a 10 micron filter sock which should block most the harmful crystals.

See “slief”’s video on YouTube search for lanthanum Chloride to learn more.