Phosphate

[KantGetRite]

so I just bought the API phosphate test kit. Is it any good or should I take it back to PetCo?

Also, I just bought PhosGuard and put it in my HOB filter in my sump to remove any phosphate. I placed about 1/3 cup of it in "The Bag" by Seachem. How long should I leave it in there before it is ineffective?

[KantGetRite]

I also bought Matrix Carbon to run in the filter when I'm not running phosguard

[Sniperhank]

Return it. API isn't known for accuracy...even the starter liquid tests that we use aren't that accurate, but they do the job we are asking them to do. Some of the best test kits are made by Salifert and Red Sea. I'm personally a big fan of the Hanna Checkers.

For Phosguard, I kept mine running in a reactor for about 3 weeks. I don't recall how long they stated that it lasts for as I have read it doesn't work longer than 14 days. Check the container to see their recommendation.

Matrix Carbon, is there any GFO or anything in it? If not, it will not be a good replacement media for Phosguard as carbon doesn't remove phosphates.

[KantGetRite]

Ok, I'll return it and get something better. Could I run that carbon in the same media bag along side phosguard to get the benefits of the carbon as well?

[Sniperhank]

Carbon removes toxins and polishes water up. You wouldn't want to mix it with the phosguard in a reactor setup, as they tumble at different speeds, but it might work hanging in a bag.

[KantGetRite]

I did some research and found it was okay to mix carbon and phosguard. Seachem's Seagell product is apparently carbon and phosguard mixed and I didn't know it or I would have just bought that.

[Sniperhank]

Not mixed together in a bag, they are manufactured together in the form of a small ball that looks just like the phosguard.
It is still OK to put them together in a bag, just doesn't worth when you put them together in a single reactor.

[KantGetRite]

I'll keep that in mind when/if I get a reactor... What is the benefit of a reactor over hob filter? Increase gph or what?

[BigRedsReefs10]

There much more efficient than hob filters. On your tank though a hob and some extra wc's will be able to keep things in check should you have a problem.