What's the best phosphate sponge?

[ethompson]

I've got a diatom problem and have to get my silicates and phosphates down.

What is the best phosphate sponge?

I've heard good things about RowaPhos but it is $38 per 500ml. It's $38 for 4L of the Seachem variety of phosphate removing media.

Is the RowaPhos that much better? What should I buy? I plan to use it in a HOT magnum filter.

ethompson

[exacta123]

Kent phosphate sponge works great for me just put some in a filter bag

[ethompson]

How often do you have to change it? RowaPhos says you only need to change it every 6-7 months.

ethompson

[exacta123]

you really dont have to use it 24/7 if your phophates are high just run it for 48 hours that should soak up your phos. do a 20 % water change using RO/DI water after that use as needed i dont think it is necessery to run a phos. sponge 24/7

[archie1709]

I run RowaPhos in my HOB Powerfilter. Then, once every other month I run Carbon. My Phosphates unfortunately stay at 0.5 with Rowa Phos.

Anyone with zero Phosphates and what are your routines. Please share. Thank you very much!

[dustybuddy]

best is polyfilter...its cheap and effective...those reactors are a waste of money...

[richfavinger]

I run PhosGuard in a canister filer for my 75g, I change it once a month, along with the carbon.

Rich