PHOSPHATE SPONGE

sam · 03-19-2001, 02:13 PM

I would like to know if anyone has ever used kents phosphate sponge product. if so did it bring levels down or is there another product i should try . all other peramaters are good in the tank i just have a some red slime algae starting and i'm not sure what caused this outbrake. i need to get it under concrol. thanks for your help.

ATLANTIS · 03-19-2001, 03:30 PM

SAM,

Kent's phosphate sponge will work a little bit. Follow the directions, I think it should only be in your system a few days at most.

But you are only fixing the symptom and not the problem.

You need to identify why your phosphates are high in the first place. (if they are) You don't mention test results.... just the cyano..

Phosphates can come from many sources... Your water source, over feeding, chemical additives.... You need to identify the source to make a real difference.

As far as dealing with the red slime. You can start by removing it with a syphon, and getting some more circulation in that area.

toms · 03-19-2001, 08:33 PM

Sam,
I can ditto what Brian from Atlantis said. I have used Kent's Phosphate Sponge and it does bring down the phos levels but only for a short while, then you are right back where you started. Find the root cause of your problem which I have usually found to be overfeeding or worn out RO filters. Hope this helps.

Tom

sam · 03-19-2001, 10:10 PM

OK THANKS FOR THE INFO ON KENTS PRODUCT. SORRY I DID NOT MENTION MY PHOSPHATE LEVEL EARLIER. IT IS AT 2.0 I HAVE A FEELING I MIGHT BE FEEDING TO MUCH LIKE YOU GUYS HAVE MENTIONED. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED ? THANKS AGAIN.

toms · 03-20-2001, 07:27 PM

What are we trying to feed, fish or corals? I have a decent amount of coral and don't really feed them much. Once a week I put in about 5ml of Coral Vital and about 5ml of Essential Elements both by Kent. About once a month a put a little piece of shrimp in my bubble coral and my open brain. Everything has been doing fine for quite a while. I am going to try DT's phytoplankton to see if it will enhance their growth or get me on the wrong side of the algae gods.

As for my fish I feed them once every day or two. They seem to find stuff to pick off of the rock. Some have been following this schedule for over a year and are doing fine.

I also do an 8 gallon H2O change every 2 to 2 1/2 weeks.