View Full Version : GFO vs. Aluminum oxide
mat167
10/08/2009, 08:15 PM
I was looking over the jar of Phosguard by seachem, and I noticed it claims to remove Si as well as PO4. Anyone know if GFO also removes Si, or this this a property only of aluminum oxide, or will the common ferric oxide do this also?
Reefer Steve
10/08/2009, 09:55 PM
GFO will remove silicates, im curious about any differences as well. Its cheaper than GFO
Randy Holmes-Farley
10/09/2009, 03:55 AM
Both work for both silicate and phosphate.
Alumina can release soluble aluminum which can irritate some corals, as I show here:
Aluminum and aluminum-based phosphate binders
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2003/chem.htm
GFO can release soluble iron, which may be good or bad. I discuss it here:
Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm
I don't routinely use either, but if I did it would be GFO. I've experienced the Phosguard irritation of my soft corals.
mat167
10/10/2009, 11:29 PM
Thanks guys. I was somewhat aware of the possibility of aluminum solubility, I was just curious as to whether the Si adsorption was solely a property of aluminum based oxides. The articles help clear that up.
Randy Holmes-Farley
10/11/2009, 07:11 AM
:thumbsup:
Happy Reefing. :)
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