Phosphate Media Questions

mr pink floyd · 03/24/2008, 10:24 PM

ive just been thinking about this lately... what would cause the Kent phosphate sponge to leach Po4 back into the water?

From what i understand, kent uses aluminum oxide(Al2O3)

A few things here are confusing me, when Po4 is dissolved in water... what does it make? I dont think it dissolutes... does it?

Then what does the Al203 bond to? and what would cause it to release the phosphate back?

One of my friends and i think it has to do with the media grabbing P, then it gets released again when oxygen in the water oxidizes it?

Are we even close?

Any info would be great Randy!

Boomer · 03/24/2008, 11:20 PM

Nope

P in water is mostly as PO4, called Orthophosphate. When molecules, usually organic molecules, break down or dissolve in water they release PO4 and is said to be dissolved phosphate/PO4. It is this inorganic PO4 that plants and animals pick up. The media is removing the PO4, not P.

Some things for you guys to read.

Phosphate and the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm

Aluminum and aluminum-based phosphate binders
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...y2003/chem.htm

mr pink floyd · 03/25/2008, 01:59 PM

thanks!

Boomer · 03/25/2008, 09:13 PM

You bet

03/24/2008, 10:24 PM	#1
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,511	Phosphate Media Questions ive just been thinking about this lately... what would cause the Kent phosphate sponge to leach Po4 back into the water? From what i understand, kent uses aluminum oxide(Al2O3) A few things here are confusing me, when Po4 is dissolved in water... what does it make? I dont think it dissolutes... does it? Then what does the Al203 bond to? and what would cause it to release the phosphate back? One of my friends and i think it has to do with the media grabbing P, then it gets released again when oxygen in the water oxidizes it? Are we even close? Any info would be great Randy!

03/24/2008, 11:20 PM	#2
Boomer Bomb Technician (EOD) Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 11,883	Nope P in water is mostly as PO4, called Orthophosphate. When molecules, usually organic molecules, break down or dissolve in water they release PO4 and is said to be dissolved phosphate/PO4. It is this inorganic PO4 that plants and animals pick up. The media is removing the PO4, not P. Some things for you guys to read. Phosphate and the Reef Aquarium http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm Aluminum and aluminum-based phosphate binders http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...y2003/chem.htm __________________ If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up Seawater Chemistry, Geology, ID Marine Life, Collecting Science Books, Explosives Technology, Audiophile An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.

03/25/2008, 09:13 PM	#4
Boomer Bomb Technician (EOD) Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 11,883	You bet __________________ If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up Seawater Chemistry, Geology, ID Marine Life, Collecting Science Books, Explosives Technology, Audiophile An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.

03/25/2008, 01:59 PM	#3
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,511	thanks!