How to lower Phosphate

PCS liquid phosphate reducer works much better than GFO. Both are iron oxide based products and work by bonding phosphates to the iron ion. The main benefits of the liquid form of phosphate reducer are:

No reactor needed.

No messy rinsing of media.

You know when it’s expired.

Easy to use.

Cheaper that granular ferric oxide (GFO)

I have found the best way to dose PCS Phosphate Reducer, is a dose of 4mls/100lts at one time into the sump. This amount is effective as the solution spreads thru out the water column binding phosphates.

Be aware that some Tangs can be sensitive of high doses of iron. I would recommend to start slowly with only 1ml/100lts daily for the first 3 days.

Then increase by 1ml every 3 days. After dosing into the sump, observe for any signs of stress. They do adapt after a week of small doses.

Skip this part if you don’t want to know how the reaction works.

The Iron solution contains Iron Oxide.The iron exchanges one of it’s -ion with  a phosphates -ion.

This reaction can be recognized by a smokey haze, which stay in the water column for about 2-4 hours depending on your skimmer. The Iron/phosphate molecules are ether skimmed out, or can be filtered out by filters. This can be recognized by the rust color in the filter wool or orange foam or black skim mate in the skimmer.
 (Photo)

Two steps to lower phosphate in your system

Step 1:

To lower residual phosphate bound in in the rocks and substrate, you need to dose a smaller amount several times a day to remove phosphates out of the water column. Once the phosphates are lower in the water column than the rocks, then will the phosphate will start to equalize themselves and leach out of the rocks. This will take time depending on how high and how long the phosphates have been in the system. Normally it will take between 2-4 liters to bring phosphates down to a low level (0.02ppm). This will depend on how much is stored in the rocks and substrate. And how much phosphates are in the food you feed.

Step 2:

PCS Phosphate Reducer can be dose daily with a dosing pump. To maintain a low level of phosphates in your system, it is best to match input of phosphate reducer to the input of phosphates from the food sources. This will keep the phosphates at your desired level. By dosing one or several small doses at night, a few hours apart, you don't see the smoky haze.

Once you get to your desired level, reduce to a daily maintenance dose to balance with the phosphate input.