tanker83

My tank has an algae problem. I don't over feed my fish and I only have the light on for about 5 hours a day... however where it is in my house it gets a fair bit of indirect light. I have been reading about phosphate pads and the only info I have been able to find tells me that the pads are impregnated with special phosphate-absorbing particles to help reduce phosphates.
In another thread (I can't remember the exact wording) it said something about phophates and nitrates being related and affect each other.
Does anyone know about these pads or had any experience with them.
I want to know...
Is it something you can just put in your filter and not worry about it expiring and leeching back out what it has absorbed (like carbon)?
Is it likely to effect my water parameters?

This is not just for myself....I get alot of customers asking me similar questions.

Any help would be MUCH appreciated.

Peterpiper

Hi tanke83,
Anything, "filter/absorber" that absorbes a substance from the water will release it back to the water after some time.
Phos pads should be replaced every 2 weeks or earlier if the phosphate levels stop falling.
Phos pads will only remove phosphates, so by removing the phosphate you will be reducing the risk of algae's.
Depending on the amount of phosphates in the water, you may see a reduction in nitrates.

outlaw

I use this phosphate pad on our 20Gal with about 25 fry in it and also in our 2.5Gal with 40 fry in it and have seen a difference in algae growth on the decorations then when we weren't using it. I used to have to clean them off every water change but now I just give them a rinse or rub anything on them off with my fingers (had to use a sponge before). We have been using it about a week now.

tanker83

thanks pete thanks outlaw

clinton1621

You shouldnt have a phosphate problem unless your tap water has phosphates in it, which would be unusual, are you using a mineral supplement for the plants with phosphate in it?? Also what type of lights do you have, some types of lights (such as actinic) can cause algae even in low amounts

Butterfly

Some fish foods are also high in phosphates. Algae needs excess nutrients and light to grow. You may not be over feeding (a fishes stomach is the size of one eye) but whatever the fish doesn't use is excreted as waste. Weekly 25% + water changes and substrate vacuums go a long way toward removing that waste which qualifies as excess nutrients. and of course that indirect sunlight is just what the algae ordered to grow
Do you know what kind of algae you have? Do you have live plants?
I have heard the phosphate pads work for a short period of time (algae uses other stuff besides phosphates). In my mind it would be better to find the cause for the algae. Of course a small amount of algae makes the tank look more natural and provides grazing for the fish
Just some thoughts
Carol