using Phosguard?

My90Sea · Jan 23, 2018

i have read that Phosguard strip down phosphates really quick. not really recommended to use for long periods of time.... is this correct?

question: what if i had a reactor with phosguard on a timer to just work 1 hr per day? just an idea!

hybridazn · Jan 23, 2018

I used to run phosguard 24/7 a couple years back with no ill effects. Just make sure you don't use too much of it and make sure it doesn't tumble, the top layer should just have a very slight roll of that makes any sense lol

My90Sea · Jan 23, 2018

gotcha. what kind of tank did u have? softies, sps.......

My90Sea · Jan 23, 2018

gotcha.... what kind of tank? softies, LPS , mixed?

hybridazn said:
I used to run phosguard 24/7 a couple years back with no ill effects. Just make sure you don't use too much of it and make sure it doesn't tumble, the top layer should just have a very slight roll of that makes any sense lol

hybridazn · Jan 23, 2018

My90Sea said:
gotcha.... what kind of tank? softies, LPS , mixed?

Sps dominant, 180 gallon display

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 23, 2018

There's nothing wrong with using phosphate binders made from GFO or aluminum oxide (Phosguard is one of this type) 24/7.

You just need to make sure you use enough to see a useful effect but not too much so phosphate goes too low.

Pntbll687 · Jan 23, 2018

Dr Tims makes a product called NP-Pearls and they are designed to remove phosphates when used in a reactor. I am running them on my nano right now. They only downside is they take 4-6 weeks for full effect.

It may be worth looking into, since you seem concerned about dropping phosphates too quickly. Are you having an issue with high phosphates?

Sgchick · Mar 17, 2018

I have a 29 gallon biocube, no sump, just a media basket in the back, and want to lower phosphates. What is the best product? GFO? Phosguard? or Chemipure blue? I would be using a media bag. Thanks

DSC reef · Mar 17, 2018

Pntbll687 said:
Dr Tims makes a product called NP-Pearls and they are designed to remove phosphates when used in a reactor. I am running them on my nano right now. They only downside is they take 4-6 weeks for full effect.

It may be worth looking into, since you seem concerned about dropping phosphates too quickly. Are you having an issue with high phosphates?

Those are biopellets, that's different from a phosphate binder. The biopellets are a form of carbon dosing and less effective at removing phosphate than say GFO. Still a good product though and should be used with a skimmer.

Scurvy · Mar 17, 2018

I use Phosgaurd 24/7 in the media tower of my BC32. Just bag it and run in the top shelf underneath the filter floss. I replace it every 3 or 4 weeks as needed per test results. I dont have an exact measurement but id say it equates to 1/4 or 1/3rd a cup.

The Phosguard has been much less evil than GFO for me.

Sgchick · Mar 17, 2018

Scurvy said:
I use Phosgaurd 24/7 in the media tower of my BC32. Just bag it and run in the top shelf underneath the filter floss. I replace it every 3 or 4 weeks as needed per test results. I dont have an exact measurement but id say it equates to 1/4 or 1/3rd a cup.

The Phosguard has been much less evil than GFO for me.

Awesome!!! Thanks so much Scurvy! Having a hard time keeping my phosphates down these days.

Sgchick · Mar 17, 2018

Scurvy...I also had an issue with GFO even tho I used the recommended amount...yikes

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 17, 2018

Sgchick said:
I have a 29 gallon biocube, no sump, just a media basket in the back, and want to lower phosphates. What is the best product? GFO? Phosguard? or Chemipure blue? I would be using a media bag. Thanks

I think large particulate materials are the best bet in a bag, so will rinsed Phosguard and similar materials from other suppliers (e.g., Kent Phosphate Sponge) are a fine way to go. If leathers close up, I'd stop using it.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 17, 2018

Scurvy said:
I use Phosgaurd 24/7 in the media tower of my BC32. Just bag it and run in the top shelf underneath the filter floss. I replace it every 3 or 4 weeks as needed per test results. I dont have an exact measurement but id say it equates to 1/4 or 1/3rd a cup.

The Phosguard has been much less evil than GFO for me.

Uh, because a product is potent, or someone recommended too much for you, the product is evil? lol