Phosguard vs GFO

[GinoGino]

So I’ve been paranoid using gfo after 7 years ago my previous system Yellow Tang had severe HLLE. 7 years later.. new system, new YT. Everyone’s looking great

No3 25
Po4 .3

I do feed heavy, currently only corals are mushrooms and Xenia with live rock in the sump fuge

Wanting to drop po4 to about .1 slowly, then lessen my feedings once it’s lowered to address the high readings

Question - is phosguard safe to use temporarily? Any side effects like potentially with GFO regarding HLLE?

*When previously using GFO, started with a reactor and would drain into filter sock. Then stopped the reactor and started adding to a small mesh back, covered with floss and added into a filter sock. Was it what caused the HLLE previously.. not sure. But when once removed, HLLE did look better

 

[lapin]

I have never had an issue with Phosguard. I rinse it in a media bag and that goes in one of my filter socks or a reactor.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I have never heard of HLLE with GFO and do not think that is a concern.

Both bind many trace elements.

Phosguard releases aluminum and I would not use it for that reason, but well washed and temporary is likely ok.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I personally would not use any binder at your level.

 

[fishguy242]

GFO strips it too fast, phosguard works much slower IME
works best if not tumbling

 

[X-37B]

Only issue with prolonged use of Phosgaurd is higher aluminum numbers. I stopped using it.
I used it for years but went with P-minus gfo. No rinsing and I drop it into a nylon bag when po4 gets to .2. I use 1 cup on my 150 and it brings it down close to .1. Lasts about 2 weeks and I feed heavy.
It sits on top of my 400 micron o reflow socks. Has worked well.
My tang and Angel are doing well.

 

[GinoGino]

I personally would not use any binder at your level.

So maybe just water changes and lessen feeding?

This time around I’m really trying to lessen adding anything to the water. Fish are eating and looks good, tank looks good. Just know that in the future I plan on adding 4 different corals

2 stags
1 Duncan colony
1 leather

 

[Reeferbadness]

I use RawaPhos in both of my 200g tanks and have never had to deal with any issues (HLLE etc) - use it sparingly and it will lower your Phos pretty slowly over a few weeks.

 

[rishma]

So maybe just water changes and lessen feeding?

This time around I’m really trying to lessen adding anything to the water. Fish are eating and looks good, tank looks good. Just know that in the future I plan on adding 4 different corals

2 stags
1 Duncan colony
1 leather

Water changes won’t do much for phosphate. 0.3 is probably fine without reducing at all.

 

[X-37B]

Also no need to lower feedings. Just control po4 if your system looks good keep po4 between .1-.3 using gfo.
Note: I only feed the fish heavy, 4-5 times a day.
10 fish in a 150.
Once a week I feed dried Phyto and nothing else.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

GFO strips it too fast, phosguard works much slower IME
works best if not tumbling

Using less will keep GFO from stripping phosphate too fast.

 

[HTFish]

I have never heard of HLLE with GFO and do not think that is a concern.

Both bind many trace elements.

Phosguard releases aluminum and I would not use it for that reason, but well washed and temporary is likely ok.

Phosguard contains aluminum? Does it leach aluminum if left in the filter too long, or ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Phosguard contains aluminum? Does it leach aluminum if left in the filter too long, or ?

Yes, it releases aluminum and I do not recommend it.