PhosGuard is a high capacity and high efficiency filtration product, made by Seachem. It is designed for the removal of both phosphates and silicates from marine or fresh water aquaria. Silicates causes an unsightly brown and tan appearance on surfaces in the aquarium, especially rocks, sand and the glass.
How long should I run PhosGuard?
PhosGuard™ needs to be replaced every 4 days as long as there is a phosphate problem because, given an infinite amount of available phosphate, PhosGuard™ absorbs phosphate so quickly that it reaches its full capacity in 4 days.
Can you use too much PhosGuard?
It is entirely possible to overdose activated phosphate absorption medias in the aquarium, and PhosGuard™ is no exception. If phosphate-absorbing medias are overused, they can lower the phosphate so suddenly that sensitive aquatic organisms like corals and invertebrates can become stressed.
Is PhosGuard harmful to fish?
The short answer is “yes” the Phosguard can cause problems that will lead to the deaths of fish and invertebrates.
Will PhosGuard remove algae?
If you have brown algae, then you need this to remove these things the algae feeds off of. As for the filter usage: our pump on our 55Gal tank has two large rectangular filters that the water flows thru like a waterfall. With those filters it is easy to add the PhosGuard.
Does brown algae mean my tank is cycled?
Almost every newly set up tank, during its cycling period, experiences a brown algae bloom. Even tanks with nothing but water and a layer of aragonite gravel will get it. Then if by magic, the brown algae begins to recede all by itself and is replaced by green algae.
Does PhosGuard lower pH?
It adds neither buffers nor acids, but if you are using a phosphate-based buffer to control your pH (Neutral Regulator®, Discus Buffer®, Etc) then use of a phosphate absorber like PhosGuard™ will absorb the buffer from the aquarium, rendering it useless.
How much phosphate does PhosGuard remove?
Each liter of PhosGuard™ has a theoretical capacity of removing about 40,000 mg of phosphate or about 100 mg/L phosphate in 100 gallons. In actual use, however, phosphate precipitation becomes self-limiting to about 20%–60% of capacity, depending upon original phosphate concentration, alkalinity, and organic content.
How do I know if my PhosGuard is exhausted?
PhosGuard™ may yellow somewhat as it picks up organics, but that is not an indicator of exhaustion for phosphate removal. Continue to test weekly for phosphate until you see it begin to rise again. You will then know that it is time to change the PhosGuard™.
Does PhosGuard remove silicates?
Description: Seachem PhosGuard is for the removal of silicate and phosphate in both fresh water and marine aquariums. PhosGuard rapidly removes phosphate and silicate from marine and freshwater aquaria.
How do you remove phosphates from an aquarium?
The most efficient way to get rid of phosphate is to “vacuum” the substrate (as with a Fluval Edge gravel cleaner). This removes more detritus, which helps to prevent the stockpiling of phosphorus via settled particulate organic matter.
Where do phosphates come from in aquarium?
Phosphates are the natural product of waste breakdown, including uneaten food, decaying plants and fish excrement. If you allow phosphates to build up in your tank, they can contribute to algae blooms, which can starve the water of oxygen, resulting in a poor environment for your fish.
How do you remove silicates from an aquarium?
Take a water pipe with a hose and pour the water on the corals and other plants inside your aquarium. The silica will wash away and get collected in the filter. If you think that the silica isn’t going away from just water, then you use a cloth to gently wipe it off from the surface of your aquarium plants.
Do phosphates cause diatoms?
Registered. From what I’ve been reading online yes. High PO4 can be a factor creating a diatom outbreak. Also high Nitrates and light.
Can you use PhosGuard with plants?
PhosGuard™ absorbs phosphate, and while fish are more-or-less ambivalent about phosphate levels, plants and corals are not.
What gets rid of diatoms?
How to Get Rid of Diatoms
Improve the Lighting. One of the most effective ways to get rid of diatoms is to enhance lighting in fish tank. Mechanical Removal. Change Temperature. Use Algae Eaters. Use of Anti-Algae Drugs. Control the Amount of Water for Fish. Avoid Overfeeding.
