Why do we need to remove Phosphates?
Freshwater Aquariums:
ALGAE:
Algal growth in rivers and lakes is almost always phosphate limitedb.
Put simply the algae is held in check by a lack of phosphate. In our
aquariums phosphates are often abundant and this can support the growth of
nuisance algae. We introduce this extra phosphate into our aquariums via
the food we feed our fish and our tap water. Avoiding overfeeding and
using reverse osmosis water can limit this phosphate input. However, extra
help is at hand in the form of phosphate removal filter medias.
Saltwater Aquariums:
ALGAE:
Algal growth in the sea is often phosphate limiteda.
Put simply the algae is held in check by a lack of phosphate. In our
aquariums phosphates are often abundant and this can support the growth of
nuisance algae. We introduce this extra phosphate into our aquariums via
the food we feed our fish and our tap water. Avoiding overfeeding and
using reverse osmosis water can limit this phosphate input. However, extra
help is at hand in the form of phosphate removal filter medias.
CALCIFICATION:
Phosphate has been shown to inhibit coral calcificationc, in other words it can slow down or stop hard coral skeleton growth.
UltiPhos
The Ultimate Aquarium Phosphate Remover
Suitable for use in Fresh and Saltwater aquariums
Controls Nuisance Algae growth
Promotes calcification to increase hard coral growth
Easy to use, UltiPhos does not require a fluidized reactor and can be used in most conventional filters
Cheap: A fraction of the price of well-known competing products.
Effective: All UltiPhos products are tested and certified to work.
Safe: Based on safe iron oxide hydroxide technology. They are not made from aluminium and they do not release metals into the aquarium. In fact they are so safe that they are approved for use in drinking water, exceeding the standards laid down by the drinking water inspectorate.
UltiPhos Fe
The original low cost granular ferric hydroxide phosphate remover. Produced to exacting standards in Germany for the water treatment industry. This media has been used extensively in innumerable aquariums for years.
UltiPhos Fe Tips:
<Always place the media in a fine filter bag or sandwiched between two layers of filter floss. Not doing so will cloud the aquarium with harmless fines. UltiPhos Fe may also be rinsed in RO water before use to remove fines.
<UltiPhos Fe is ideal for use in tanks with high phosphate levels. When used in a filter bag placed in the sump it works in a slow and controlled manner to gradually lower phosphate levels. Rapidly dropping the phosphate level in a reef aquarium reportedly has an adverse effects on some corals.
=Never over-fluidize this media. UltiPhos Fe can be fluidized but this must be done very gently to avoid abrading the media to dust. UltiPhos P is designed for fluidization and is a far better choice for this application.
UltiPhos P
Pellet version of UltiPhos Fe which is ideal for use in low flow fluidized filters. One of the main problems with GFH media is that it literally "falls to bits" in a fluidized filter. UltiPhos P resists this breakdown better than the Fe version.
Fluidized Filter Tips:
<Always rinse the media in RO water before use. This removes harmless fines which could otherwise cloud the aquarium.
=Never over-fluidize the media. Aim for a gentle simmering of the media, not a violent "boiling" effect. Over-fluidization will cause abrasion and the collapse of the media.
=In a tank with a very high phosphate level a fluidised filter may cause the level to drop so rapidly that it adversely effects corals. In tanks with over 0.5ppm phosphate we suggest the use of a very low flow through on the fluidized filter to bring the phosphate down gradually.
NEW UltiPhos R
UltiPhos R is a wet iron based phosphate removal media: Adsorption Capacity 25g of phosphate per Kg of UltiPhos R. Developed in conjunction with the Technical University of Berlin using a patented manufacturing process.
UltiPhos R is specifically intended for use in fluidised phosphate reactors; hence the “R”. We do not recommend using UltiPhos R in passive applications as it may compact. Whilst this would cause no adverse effects it is not the most cost effective use of the media as only the outer surface would be used. For passive applications use coarse granular UltiPhos Fe for better flow through.
Fluidized Filter Tips:
<Always rinse the media in RO water before use. This removes harmless fines which could otherwise cloud the aquarium.
=Never over-fluidize the media. Aim for a gentle simmering of the media, not a violent "boiling" effect. Over-fluidization will cause abrasion and the collapse of the media.
=In a tank with a very high phosphate level a fluidised filter may cause the level to drop so rapidly that it adversely effects corals. In tanks with over 0.5ppm phosphate we suggest the use of a very low flow through on the fluidized filter to bring the phosphate down gradually.
Ferrous Oxide Phosphate Removers by R. Harker
Refs:
b) Ahlgren, I., Frisk, T. and Kamp-Nielsen, L. (1988). Empirical and theoretical models of phosphorus loading, retention and concentration vs. lake trophic state. Hydrobiologia 170, 285-303. Hecky, R. E., and Kilham, P. Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in freshwater and marine environments: a review of recent evidence on the effect of enrichment. Limnology and Oceanography 33 (1988), 796-822. Kalff, J. (1983). Phosphorus limitation in some tropical African lakes. Hydrobiologia, 100, 101-112. Lean, D.R.S., Abbott, A.A. and Pick, F.R. (1987). Phosphorus deficiency of Lake Ontario phytoplankton. Can. J. Fish. Aquatic Sci., 44, 2069-2076. Schindler, D.W. (1977). Evolution of phosphorus limitation in lakes. Science, 195, 260-262
Myers, V.B. and Iverson, R.I. (1981). Phosphorus and nitrogen limited phytoplankton productivity in Northeastern Gulf of Mexico coastal estuaries. In: Neilson, B.J. and Cronin, L.E. (Eds.) Estuaries and Nutrients. Humana Press, Clifton, New Jersey. pp. 569-584. Paasche, E. and Erga, S.R. (1988). Phosphorus and nitrogen limitation of phytoplankton in the inner Oslofjord, Norway. Sarsia, 73, 229-243.
c) Yamashiro, H. (1995) The effects of HEBP, an inhibitor of mineral deposition, upon photosynthesis and calcification in the scleractinian coral, Stylophora pistillata. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 191, 57-63
Kinsey, Donald W.; Davies, Peter J. (1979) Effects of elevated nitrogen and phosphorus on coral reef growth. Limnol. Oceanogr. , 24(5), 935-40