Ok, I think I went too far..

[MarineFlake]

I implemented SeaChem's PO4 remover 2 weeks ago. After Week 1, po4 was about .5 PPM or so. I measured again after replacing with a fresh batch of po4 remover and (Its hard to see the lighter colors) and both test kits shows almost no po4. I have read only a few out of the many articles I have poured over about lowering po4 too low and how that can result in unhealthy conditions as well. However, so many folks post that the have 0PPM (Or 'undetectable') po4 that I figured thats what I would shoot for. (Algae issues..) Attached is a photo of my prized toadstool. About week after lowering po4 it closed and then days after it started to look like the pix (The white/yellow spots)..Have I gone too far????

-PC

 

[steve-s]

It's not from the reduction in PO4, it's the aluminum oxide released when using this product. Remove the Phosguard, do several large water changes (well aged/aerated) and add some carbon. It should show some improvement in a few days.

Cheers
Steve

 

[MikeyB]

Iwould suggest using a Phosban reactor With ROWAphos in it. Works wonder on removing Po4, silicate and arsenic. I use the 2 little fishes Phosban 150 reactor.

Some info

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/june2004/review.htm

 

[MarineFlake]

I halted the filter the night I took the photos. It seems odd that this issue never came up in any of my readings prior to buying the large Seachem bottle of the product. I think a letter to Seachem is in order. Any suggestions on po4 remover that will not harm my corals and inverts?

Thanks

 

[steve-s]

Phosban or Rowaphos are your best bets for granular media. Both are ferric oxide based and will not cause the same issue.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm

In all fairness to Sechem's Phosguard, there is no conclusive evidence it is to blame but an the otherhand, there have been no solid studies done either. I have used this product myself and got the exact same result with bleaching as you did.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2003/chem.htm

Cheers
Steve