What to do with phos sponge

Phisher · Post by **Phisher** » Sun May 09, 2004 12:27 pm

Ok what are you suppose to do with this stuff before using it. Some who shall remain nameless, but whos name rhymes with John, said not to rinse it first. Bad idea, nano looks like tea. I removed it and rinsed for several minutes before it bacame clear.

Joe

tbmoore · Post by **tbmoore** » Sun May 09, 2004 12:56 pm

I use kent (I know ...Lets not start the debate again)...but they suggest to rinse it before using ...I do the same with carbon

Brandon · Post by **Brandon** » Sun May 09, 2004 1:49 pm

I remember reading that rowaphos will make your water look like tea, but the guys that make it say that is ok, that it will clear up, but not to rinse it. So I would think you would be alright.

Brandon · Post by **Brandon** » Sun May 09, 2004 1:53 pm

Do NOT rinse ROWAphos before use!! In some cases the use of ROWAphos can turn the aquarium water slightly brown in color due to the dislocation of finer particles in the material. This is completely harmless for fish or any other organisms and will disappear after a short period of time.

this was the quote... I have no clue, personal, experiences, etc.. just quoting what they said.

Phisher · Post by **Phisher** » Sun May 09, 2004 1:58 pm

Well if I had not removed it my tank would have looked like coffee. I wonder if you can rinse in a bucket of slat water? If you can't rinse it prior to use then I have slightly less than 5lbs to sell if anyone needs it.

Joe

tbmoore · Post by **tbmoore** » Sun May 09, 2004 2:01 pm

Rinsing in Ro/Di water should not cause any problems....ro water is phos free so it should not weaken the product...Just my thoughts....no real proof...but I would not have a problem rinsing in ro water. that way you will not waste your salt just to rinse.

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Sun May 09, 2004 2:59 pm

Those that have reported rinsing it used either RO/DI water or a couple of gallons from a water change. I plan on rinsing.

tbmoore · Post by **tbmoore** » Sun May 09, 2004 3:53 pm

Good idea on using water change water...I do suggest keeping a pump moving it around till you use it to keep it from going south.

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Mon May 10, 2004 6:39 am

I rinsed mine in RO water. Then I 'tested' it on a 5g nano. It didn't 'muddy' the water at all after rinsing it. The fish is still alive after several weeks and the algae is almost non-existent now.

I would most definitely rinse it. I can see no harm in doing so unless the rinsing material is extremely high in phosphates and 'spent' the ferric hydroxide before being introduced into the tank.

I also rinse my carbon, same concept.

Brandon · Post by **Brandon** » Mon May 10, 2004 7:10 am

I can't understand why rowa's recommends to not rinse it. It's not like I would rinse it in a bucket of cat piss.

tbmoore · Post by **tbmoore** » Mon May 10, 2004 8:01 am

Try sending an e-mail to the manufacture and ask why you can't... I would do it anyway...but would like to know their reason.

Brandon · Post by **Brandon** » Mon May 10, 2004 10:23 am

I think I've figured it out... For use in their fine mesh bag they recommend not rinsing.. I think it comes with this bag. For use in a fluidized reactor you need to rinse it.

For use in a fluidised reactor we recommend that you wash the media in R.O. water prior to use to remove the fines, which would otherwise over fluidise and end up in the aquarium. If this happens it will not cause any harm to the inhabitants as it is inert but may look unsightly. For all other applications we recommend that you follow the instructions supplied with the pack and do not wash RowaPhos as you are removing active material and may deplete its capacity by removal of phosphates from the water that you are washing it in. The unwashed material will initially colour the water brown but with good water flow will quickly disperse and have no negative effects on the health of the aquarium.

From Deltec - instructions for their Fluidised Reactor
http://www.deltecaquariumsolutions.com/ ... struct.pdf

Note: When used in a bag, Rowaphos do not recommend washing the media, however flushing the media must be carried out when fluidising to remove all of the fine particles

Also read that you have to keep it wet, if it dries out it is no longer effective... I sealed mine in a small bucket, so it should stay damp.

tbmoore · Post by **tbmoore** » Mon May 10, 2004 9:53 pm

I would wash it either way....I question now about the drying out....

Phisher · Post by **Phisher** » Tue May 11, 2004 9:35 am

I used it in a mess bag, not micron, and recommend rinsing if this does not effect the product. It must absorb fast if it can be depleated through rinsing in tap.

Joe

Post by **snoopdog** » Tue May 11, 2004 9:45 am

I rinse everything, even my buckets before i use them. There is not telling what is on something before you put it in the tank. It is a good idea to wash your hands and arms before you put them in the tank, but i forget to do that alot.