In my old tank i tried to get a an ats growing. It wouldnt until i added small amounts of iron gluconate. Randys suggestion, you can buy the pills at the store.
Triton - Results are in.
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Randy Holmes-Farley
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Since the Triton aluminum based binder discussion by ASAP was edited and now allowed to post, I feel I should offer a comment on it, since I normally would have done so anyway.
I'm not a fan of the aluminum-based phosphate binders out of concern for released aluminum. I've been discussing this, seems like forever, with respect to Phosguard. Seachem denied it for years (even doing their own "tests"), but now that Triton testing is around, folks can see for themselves whether aluminum is released. I believe Triton is aware of this issue, and that is why they say:
"For best results, alternate between an iron based media like RowaPhos or PhosBan and AL99 on a monthly or bimonthly basis for maximum effectiveness. "
It is not because the phosphate binding will be better (IMO), but (as has been repeated to me), they have found that the released aluminum may bind to the GFO and be removed. In any case, you'd release half as much aluminum if you used it only half the time and used GFO the other half.
That may be a fine plan. I'm not sure it is any better than just using GFO all of the time, but I'm open to hearing a rationale. Nevertheless, I thought folks should understand the potential issue with this product since it was recommended by a vendor in my forum.
I'm not a fan of the aluminum-based phosphate binders out of concern for released aluminum. I've been discussing this, seems like forever, with respect to Phosguard. Seachem denied it for years (even doing their own "tests"), but now that Triton testing is around, folks can see for themselves whether aluminum is released. I believe Triton is aware of this issue, and that is why they say:
"For best results, alternate between an iron based media like RowaPhos or PhosBan and AL99 on a monthly or bimonthly basis for maximum effectiveness. "
It is not because the phosphate binding will be better (IMO), but (as has been repeated to me), they have found that the released aluminum may bind to the GFO and be removed. In any case, you'd release half as much aluminum if you used it only half the time and used GFO the other half.
That may be a fine plan. I'm not sure it is any better than just using GFO all of the time, but I'm open to hearing a rationale. Nevertheless, I thought folks should understand the potential issue with this product since it was recommended by a vendor in my forum.
OP
OP
@Randy Holmes-Farley Ok so Rowa is a good media to purchase for the removal of po4 correct?
I am going to purchase some of that today with the hope that I turn my po4 numbers around. I will order a test kit (hanna checker Ultra Low) when I return from Vacation. I just want to leave and not have an issue with PO4 when I return.
Doing two 10 gallon water changes to help with the situation as well before I leave.
"Z'
I am going to purchase some of that today with the hope that I turn my po4 numbers around. I will order a test kit (hanna checker Ultra Low) when I return from Vacation. I just want to leave and not have an issue with PO4 when I return.
Doing two 10 gallon water changes to help with the situation as well before I leave.
"Z'
Randy Holmes-Farley
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ROWA is fine. I'm not sure if it is any better than other GFO brands, but there's nothing wrong with it. 
Don't try to drop it too fast as it might go lower than you want, which in turn can be undesirable.
Don't try to drop it too fast as it might go lower than you want, which in turn can be undesirable.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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You don't care for the Ultra Low Range phosphorus checker?
Randy Holmes-Farley
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No GFO has aluminum. All are iron-based (Granular Ferric Oxide). I use BRS, but that's a cost issue, not a preference for it over many other brands.
tigerdragon
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Is it as accurate at po4 as the low range phosphate? Does it measure the same?
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They both measure the same thing (but report in different units).
I would normally prefer the ultra low one, but some people have had reproducibility issues with it so they recommend the higher range one.
I don't really have enough info to make a decision and I've not actually used either one.
I would normally prefer the ultra low one, but some people have had reproducibility issues with it so they recommend the higher range one.
I don't really have enough info to make a decision and I've not actually used either one.
tigerdragon
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Could the reproducibility have to do with that phosphorous itself is unstable and phosphate is stable?
Randy Holmes-Farley
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No, they both measure exactly the same thing (phosphate) using exactly the same chemical method (ascorbic acid method).
The wording difference in the name is really just a marketing distinction, trying to make the ultra low one seem even better than it is.
The 713 claims and uncertainty of +/- 0.04 ppm while the 736 claims +/- 0.015 ppm (both as phosphate). So on paper the 736 is the one to get.
The wording difference in the name is really just a marketing distinction, trying to make the ultra low one seem even better than it is.
The 713 claims and uncertainty of +/- 0.04 ppm while the 736 claims +/- 0.015 ppm (both as phosphate). So on paper the 736 is the one to get.
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+1; the 713 isn't really accurate enough. I've used (and have) both the 713 and 736 and the latter is MUCH better and consistent.
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Sounds good.
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Ok then I assume I shouldn't bother with the 713 tester and go for the 736 tester instead?
Need something more reliable than the LFS because his test isn't reliable anymore its proven.
I actually am in a pinch so I might just get the 713 now and wait for the 736 atleast I can see where I am at for the next 4 days before I leave.
Need something more reliable than the LFS because his test isn't reliable anymore its proven.
I actually am in a pinch so I might just get the 713 now and wait for the 736 atleast I can see where I am at for the next 4 days before I leave.
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How long would you have to wait for the 736?
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I'd probably wait and also try to not make too many tank changes before you leave.
