- Advanced adsorbent of phosphate and silicate; provides rapid results.
- May be used on an on-going basis as part of a sensible nutrient-control program.
- Spherical shape and porosity maximize reactive surface area; promotes reactivity and efficiency by maximizing contact time and minimizing tendency to pack and channel water, and outperforms competing non-spherical phosphate-adsorbent media.
- Recommended usage is 2 g of Extrax Phos per 1 US-gallon (3.8 L) in aquarium; 600 grams will adsorb up to 20 mg/L phosphate in 300 US-gallons (1,136 L).
- Does not release phosphate, silicate, or soluble compounds into aquarium system .
- Safe for use in all freshwater and marine aquaria, including freshwater planted systems and reef systems.
While Extrax Phos provides a workable solution to potential phosphate-related problems, it should not be seen as an alternative to proper and sensible aquarium husbandry. Aquaria with extremely-low to immeasurable reactive phosphate often appear more pristine than those in which phosphate is allowed to persist in an elevated concentration. Feeding aquarium inhabitants sensibly, limiting the use of organic-based supplements and additives, use of a high-quality synthetic aquarium salt blend, and performing water changes/replacing evaporation with purified water are all important aspects of phosphate control. Additional means of limiting phosphate are maintaining a culture of macroalgae in the system to naturally deplete phosphate and other substances, and/or the use of an effective and well-maintained protein skimmer.
Apply Extrax Phos media as required to obtain and then maintain an immeasurable phosphate. It is time to replace Extrax Phos once the phosphate in the system either ceases to decrease (e.g. when the phosphate is >0.05 mg/L and is no longer falling) or begins to increase; this indicates complete media exhaustion. Slight changes in coloration of the media with usage do not necessarily indicate exhaustion and should not be used as a guideline for when to replace the media.
The longevity of Extrax Phos is largely dependant upon the pre-existing phosphate concentration in the aquarium; the higher the initial concentration, the faster the material exhausts. Effectiveness of Extrax Phos is largely related to the reaction time it has with aquarium water; the longer the reaction time, the more effectively it will remove phosphate and silicate. In all cases, the use of a mechanical pre-filter to remove particulate organic material from water prior to its interaction with this media will inhibit biofouling and prolong effectiveness. Due to the friable nature of the material, use in a fluidized-bed filter is not recommended; instead, placement in a canister filter (active filtration) or 150 ?m mesh filter bag (passive filtration) are recommended. If choosing the latter approach, place bag in an area of medium-flow and turn bag over once during usage to shift the media and increase filtration effectiveness.
Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Extrax Phos material may become hot when first immersed in water.