Opinions on Contraphos?

[Anonymous]

I ended up buying some of this stuff recently, to remove the phosphate leaching in from the Schuran calcium reactor media (memo to self - remember to soak media in RO water next time!).

I went to get Phosban on a friend's recommendation, but the LFS talked me into getting the Contraphos (Reef Geek product).

I have a number of questions.

Does anyone have any experience with this stuff? I've placed it in the net provided in my sump. No visible impact on my SPS, though growth continues to be good for some and non-existent for others.

How long can it be left in? Only as long as it's still absorbing, or is there a set time period?

Grateful for any help.

 

[Anonymous]

phosphate leaching in from the Schuran calcium reactor media (memo to self - remember to soak media in RO water next time!

Ah! That stuff is reputed to leach nooooo phosphates! I am disapointed to find you are having troubles as I just filled my reactor with the stuff.

Alas, I have no experience with Contraphos. This is the first I have heard of it.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Laura.

Yup, unfortunately a small bloom of cyano followed hot on the heels of turning on the calcium reactor. I had to bite the bullet and buy something...

The labels were all in German. I wonder if it's called something else in the US?

 

[Anonymous]

According to some sites on the internet, this is the same as Rowaphos (Aqua Connect?). Any thoughts on Rowaphos people?

 

[Ben1]

I think Rowa is overpriced, wet, GFO. Since it is wet you get less media for your money. I like Phosban the best.

In any case, was this much more expensive then the Phosban? Phosban is like $12 for 150 grams.

It wont leach p04 and can be used until it stops working. I use a tablespoons worth every two weeks on my 40 breeder. It is better to start slow and ramp up to more media. Poeple have reports RTN cases in the acros from the sudden drop in P04 when using it in larger amunts right away. Its a waste to put a lot in at once anyhow. It absorbs the P4 so the P04 remains in the system in a way until the media is changes.

Randy has a good artical on GFO in reefkeeping mag.

HTH

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ben and apologies for the late response (I was away for a long weekend).

I'll check out the article and may well move over to Phosban for the next change.