Ferric Oxide Based Phosphate Remover

[xxBarneyxx]

Does ferric oxide based phosphate remover pose any risks to a reef tank?

The reason I ask is that I bought some fluval phosphate remove and in the directions it says to use with caution in a reef tank and the dosage is about 1/5th of the normal recommendation. Such a small amount is not having a very good effect on my phosphate levels (it is working but very slowly) so I was wandering what the dangers are if I use a higher dose?

 

[TigerIssey]

Ferric oxide is Iron based isn't it.

If it is, that is the same as Rowaphos and Ultiphos P, I have been using a double dose since my cyano outbreak, if anything my corals are better for there not being any phosphate about.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Yeah it is (its all basically the same no matter what brand). I saw you was using a double dose in another thread which got me thinking it must be ok. Im still fighting cyano and phosphates after having an ammonia spike from new LR, the low dose of phosphate remover just doesnt really do it.

 

[TigerIssey]

No it won't. I have been using double dose now for 2 months, which it says on Ultiphos that you can do. (Think it said it on Rowa too, but thats too expensive to double up on).

I am still using the double dose as I still have some Briopsis, I am getting there between the PR and the Sea Hare.

If I were you with that size tank I would consider Ultiphos, it works out so much cheaper. Eventually you can fluidise it too.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Yeah the fluval stuff wouldn't have been my first choice but it was all I could get locally and I wanted to get it on there asap (for all the bloody good its done).

I have just built a fluiderizer thingy-me-jig but need to go and pick up my aquarium safe silcon from my folks house to seal it properly.

Unless Anyone comes up with a reason not too I think I will go home and put a double dose in there tonight.

 

[rabbut]

I've used Fluvals Phosphate remover at 5X recommended dose before, no issues what so ever. The stuff works very well IME, only lasts half as long as Phosban/Rowa, but it's like 1/4 the cost...

 

[Musho3210]

Ive filled a phosphate reactor halfway with a generic GFO in a 20 gallon before, no noticeably bad effects. Since they all are basically the same thing (GFO i mean), try to find one that you can buy in bulk. I bought a gallon bucket filled with GFO (4.5 pounds) for $60USD, a much better deal than buying a few grams for 20 bucks.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Hey Musho, long time no see, where you been?

 

[Musho3210]

Hey Musho, long time no see, where you been?

Stopped foruming for a while, it was nearing the end of the school year so I had a lot of work, and I was out of the country for the majority of the summer. But I'm back for now .

 

[SkiFletch]

FWIW still, using a LOT of GFO has the POSSIBILITY of causing Oxygen depletion. However if you have decent surface agitation and good gas exchange, this is rarely an issue. Anybody with a surface of rippling water and a sump needs not be worried. Heck, I've thrown a pound of the stuff in my tank once without any issues...

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Cool I did put a full dose in last week. Haven't had time to check my phosphate since but the corals do seem to be looking a little better and the cyano hasn't grown back yet in the places I removed it.

Will let you guys know if it made any difference