Phosphate plays a big role in reef keeping. It presents in every aquarium, even though many aquarium owners aren’t aware that it is there. If the aquarium is not properly maintained, the phosphate levels will continually rise and contribute algea growth.

Most phosphate comes from three sources: tap water, fish food, and carbon. In the case of city water, the municipality may actually be adding it to protect its pipes. In well water, phosphate often come from the leaching of lawn and garden fertilizers. To avoid unwanted phosphate levels, make sure no uneaten food is allowed to remain in the aquarium. To reduce or eliminate phosphate already present, commercial phosphate removers can be effective. In this article, we ‘ve summarized 7 of popular products to choose from that can help solve your phosphate woes.

Fluval Clearmax Phosphate Remove Filter Media

Keep your aquarium in tip-top shape with Fluval Clearmax Phosphate Remover Filter Media. It uses a science-grade resin designed to adsorb phosphate and nitrate, which helps maintain crystal clear water, reduces odors, and promotes ideal conditions for fish. These filters work in both freshwater and marine environments for tanks up to 80 gallons. Help maintain a healthy aquarium with Fluval Clearmax Phosphate Remove Filter Media. Compatible with Fluval filter models: 106, 206, 306, 406, FX5, 105, 205, 305, 405, 104, 204, 304 and 404.



Brightwell Aquatics Phosphat-E – Phosphate Remover


Phosphat-E effectively eliminates reactive phosphate immediately upon addition to aquarium. It is safe for all inhabitants of reef and marine fish-only aquaria. May be used on an ongoing basis to help control phosphate in heavily-stocked aquaria .Helps facilitate phosphate removal during periods when dissolved organic material is abundant. While Phosphāt-E 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.



Seachem PhosBond Phosphate Silicate Remover

PhosBond is a revolutionary new product that combines the phosphate removing capabilities of both aluminum oxide and granular ferric oxide into a singular material forming a synergistic effect. It rapidly removes phosphates and silicates from saltwater and freshwater, combining the best of both types of phosphate removers. Its high porosity and surface area give it a large binding capacity, while its physical strength and integrity assures that it will not break down from mechanical stress. PhosBond is not an exchange resin and does not release anything into the water. It does not leach phosphate or silicate back into the water and may be removed, dried, and returned to service until exhausted.



Kolar Labs GFO Bayoxide E33 Phosphate Remover

Bayoxide E33 GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) Phosphate Reducer fights harmful algae in fresh and saltwater aquariums by eliminating their phosphate food source. Left unchecked, high phosphate levels and algae can cause extensive harm to fish, coral and other aquarium life. The high-quality, virgin, drinking water grade GFO phosphate reducer adsorbs phosphates more quickly than competing phosphate removal medias – and keeps them away longer. It is safe for all freshwater and marine fish, invertebrates, and plants to reduce phosphates and silicates. Use in freshwater aquariums, planted tanks, koi ponds, natural swimming pools, hydroponics, saltwater aquariums, and reef tanks to control phosphates and reduce algae.



Red Sea NO3:PO4-X, Nitrate and Phosphate Reducer

Help keep algae problems in check by feeding nitrate and phosphate reducing bacteria with Red Sea’s Reef Care NO3: PO4-x Nitrate and Phosphate Reducer. Controlling nitrate and phosphate also preserves beneficial zooxanthellae algae. Helps your corals achieve the best health, vivid, electric coloration and rapid growth. Part of the Reef Care Program, which also includes: Algae Management , Reef Colors , Reef Foundations , and Reef Energy . For the healthiest corals, use the entire Reef Care Program. For more information, download the Reef Care Program guide from Red Sea.



Aqueon Phosphate Remover for QuietFlow LED PRO Filter 10 

Aqueon Specialty Filter Pads are designed to address common water issues. The pads are pre-cut to fit in the Aqueon QuietFlow LED PRO Power Filter Bio-Media Grid. There are three varieties available: Ammonia Reducing, Carbon, Phosphate Remover. Designed for use with the Aqueon QuietFlow 10 Pro Power Filters, these pads are pre-cut for easy installation and come in a handy pack of four.  The phosphate-removing pads filter out excess phosphate to control algae growth and also trap excess waste, food and organic debris for clearer water. Replace them every two to three weeks for happy, healthy fin-buddies!



D-D RP-100 ROWAphos Phosphate Removal Media

If your phosphate problem just won’t go away, give ROWAphos a try. Considered the most effective phosphate/silicate remover by many expert aquarists, ROWAphos is specially designed to be used with a fluidized reactor. Perfect for fragile reef systems, ROWAphos is gentle and will not shock the animals in your aquarium. Also, regardless of how long you let it in your aquarium, ROWAphos will never release anything back into the water. Try the expert’s choice for your phosphate problem: ROWAphos.