Phosphate removal Sponge

[socal surfer]

Do those sponges they sell actually soak up phospahtes from the water. Do they release things into the water the will hurt my inverts?

TIA

[gregt]

I may be being neaderthal on this one, but I just don't like the idea of using a chemically soaked sponge that's supposed to remove a specific element. Just doesn't sound like a good idea to me.

Increase exports (skimming) and reduce imports (a lot of food especially frozen has phosphates in them, Use only RO-DI for replacement water, etc).

[MontanaRocknReefer]

I agree with gregt on this. Phosphate sponge may bring down your phosphates for a little while but you need to find the source of your problem which could be in your water changes(use RO/DI water) or overfeeding your tank! Johnny

[JennM]

I like Seachem's Phosguard for rapid phosphate removal. I've not had any issues with it leaching anything back (at least nothing that wasn't already there!).

I wholeheartedly agree that finding and fixing the SOURCE of the problem is most important, and making a more natural export is best, but if you need a fast fix, water change and Phosguard will certainly help.

Jenn