lanthanum for phosphate control

[Mark Dunlap]

I'm considering using lanthanum for phosphate reduction. If I understand correctly it forms a precipitate with phosphate? How is the precipitate removed from the tank? Or is it so insoluble that it is permanently locked?
Thanks you, Mark

 

[Mjrenz]

It is most easily removed just by letting your skimmer run. Just be careful not to use too much and wait at least 24 hours to test your phosphate levels as most test kits won't be accurate until all the phosphates that have been bound are removed

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I would recommend slowly dosing the LaCl into a filter sock.

 

[clm65]

Either skimmer or sock are the recommended methods. Either dose just upstream of the skimmer, or into a 10 micron sock. When I use it, I mix it with a gallon of RODI water and usually drip it into a large 10 micron sock. I have tried the skimmer method, but I feel the sock is more effective for immediate capture of the bound up phosphate.

 

[Mark Dunlap]

Thank you for the replies. Do you prefer an aquarium labeled product like phosphate Rx or something like SeaKlear pool product?

 

[Mjrenz]

Thank you for the replies. Do you prefer an aquarium labeled product like phosphate Rx or something like SeaKlear pool product?

I've only used phosphate rx

 

[Larry L]

I think dosing into (or just upstream of) filter socks is the most effective at capturing the precipitate, but for that to work well the socks have to be rated something like 10 micron or smaller, which would clog way too fast if you left them in place all the time. I'm too lazy to deal with filter socks so I just drip very slowly right into the middle of my skimmer, and I think that works pretty well because I never see much cloudiness (if any) reach the tank.

I wrote a calculator to help with figuring out the right amount to dose: http://larryl.emailplus.org/fish/dosing-instructions-phosphate-removers.html

 

[Rick Cavanaugh]

some tangs are very sensitive to this. I believe it is the zebrasoma family. Reduces phosphates wicked fast. It takes very little. Accurately measure phosphates before starting and only add enough to remove most but not all of that phosphate level.

 

[MnFish1]

I'm considering using lanthanum for phosphate reduction. If I understand correctly it forms a precipitate with phosphate? How is the precipitate removed from the tank? Or is it so insoluble that it is permanently locked?
Thanks you, Mark

https://www.reef2rainforest.com/201...ok-at-lanthanum-chloride-use-in-the-aquarium/