Brightwell Extrax Phos 3.2kg

ExtraxPhos

Spherical phosphate adsorption medium for all freshwater and saltwater aquariums

Presentation

High-performance phosphate and silicate adsorbent; fast results.

Continuous use is possible as part of a suitable nutrient control program.

Its spherical shape and porosity maximize the reactive surface area, thus promoting reactivity and efficiency through optimal contact time and reduced settling and water channeling. This substrate outperforms competing non-spherical phosphate adsorbents.

Recommended use: 2 g of Extrax Phos per 3.8 L of aquarium; 600 g allows adsorption of up to 20 mg/L of phosphate in 1136 L.

It does not release phosphate, silicate, or soluble compounds into the aquarium.

Suitable for all freshwater and saltwater aquariums, including planted and reef aquariums. Technical background

Phosphate, while essential in minute quantities for the proper functioning of living organisms, can indirectly negatively impact the overall appearance of an aquarium if it reaches a concentration detectable by most test kits (e.g., > 0.05 ppm). For this to occur, other undesirable substances must be present in varying concentrations, but these substances are rarely limiting in a typical marine aquarium. Therefore, it is important to combat high phosphate concentrations, whether occasional or chronic. Thanks to its shape, porosity, and quality characteristics, Extrax Phos effectively captures phosphate and removes it from the aquarium water. This treatment can be used as needed or continuously to maintain undetectable phosphate levels in a marine aquarium.

While Extrax Phos is an effective solution to potential phosphate problems, it is not a substitute for proper and responsible aquarium maintenance. Aquariums with extremely low, or even undetectable, reactive phosphate levels often appear healthier than those where phosphate persists at high concentrations. Feeding aquarium inhabitants responsibly, limiting the use of organic supplements and additives, using high-quality synthetic aquarium salt, and performing regular water changes (replacing evaporation with purified water) are all important aspects of phosphate control. Other ways to limit phosphate include maintaining a macroalgae culture in the aquarium to naturally reduce phosphate and other substances, and/or using an efficient and well-maintained protein skimmer.

Instructions and recommendations
Before first use, rinse each 600-gram dose of Extrax Phos in 2 liters of purified tap water, then discard the water. Caution: Extrax Phos may become hot upon first immersion in this water. Do not rinse with seawater; use only freshwater. Use 2 grams of Extrax Phos per 4 liters of water in the aquarium and monitor the phosphate concentration during use. Use Extrax Phos media as needed to achieve and maintain undetectable phosphate levels. Replace Extrax Phos when the phosphate level in the system stops decreasing (e.g., when it is above 0.05 mg/L and no longer decreases) or begins to increase; this indicates that the media is completely depleted. Slight color changes in the media over time do not necessarily indicate depletion and should not be used as a criterion for determining when to replace it.

The lifespan of Extrax Phos depends largely on the initial phosphate concentration in the aquarium; the higher the concentration, the faster the media will be depleted. Extrax Phos's effectiveness is primarily related to its reaction time with the aquarium water; the longer this reaction time, the more effectively it will remove phosphate and silicate. In all cases, using a mechanical pre-filter to remove particulate organic matter from the water before it comes into contact with the media will limit biological growth and prolong its effectiveness. Due to the fragility of the material, its use in a fluidized bed filter is not recommended. It is best used in an external filter (active filtration) or in a 150 µm mesh filter bag (passive filtration). In the latter case, place the bag in an area with a medium current and turn it over once during use to agitate the filter media and optimize filtration efficiency.

Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Extrax Phos material may become hot upon first immersion in water.