Seachem PhosGuard 250ml Removes phosphates and silicates
PhosGuard quickly and effectively removes phosphates and silicates from freshwater and marine aquaria. It is not recommended for use in freshwater buffered with phosphorus compounds. The product is in the form of porous granules, which increases its contact surface with water. The spherical shape of the PhosGuard particles ensures optimum water flow between them when the product is placed in the filter chamber.
Competing formulations tend to clump due to the irregular shape of the granules, which limits their ability to remove phosphate. PhosGuard is the only one on the market in bead form.
Important:
Aluminium oxide is not regenerable and heating it in the oven does not restore its phosphate-capturing capacity. The reason for this misunderstanding is the industrial use of alumina for air drying. Indeed, accumulated moisture is most easily removed by heating, but the captured chemicals cannot be disposed of in this way.
Aluminium oxide and soluble aluminium, and corals:
In recent years, there has been speculation that the aluminium oxide contained in products such as PhosGuard is leaking into the water and causing damage to corals in reef tanks, but this has not been reliably proven. The manufacturer conducted several experiments testing the solubility and toxicity of aluminium compounds in fresh and salt water. At a pH of around 8 (i.e. the recommended pH for reef tanks), no aluminium was detected. At lower pH levels and high application rates, there is a possibility of free aluminium entering the water. Aluminium levels in water with a pH level of 5.3 were 0.2mg/l after dosing 3 times the amount of PhosGuard recommended on the package.
Aluminium oxide is not one of the compounds easily absorbed by the cells of living organisms. Even after administering 3 times the amount of PhosGuard recommended on the package, no negative changes were observed in soft corals such as Sarcophyton.
Method of use:
PhosGuard should be placed in a location that ensures optimal water flow. It can be used in canister and cascade filters. It is sometimes necessary to pour the product into a bag.
It is recommended to use 250ml of product for every 300 litres of aquarium volume. PhosGuard should be left for 4 days and then the phosphate or silicate levels should be tested. If the content of the compound you wish to eliminate does not drop to 0.02mg/l, replace the batch of preparation. If the level of harmful substances falls to a safe level, it is advisable to leave the PhosGuard portion in place until their concentration starts to rise again. As long as the phosphate or silicate content remains low, the product is active
500ml of PhosGuard allows 600 litres of water to be treated. (Removes up to 30mg/l of phosphate in 600 litres of water, depending on baseline levels of unwanted compounds and stocking rate)