JBL PhosEx Ultra: 2.0 mg/l of phosphate comes out from my faucet. My question: Does the filter medium last during water changes when it is in an absorptive state, or does it have to be replaced each time?
JBL PhosEx ultra binds approx. 18,000 mg of phosphate before its capacity is exhausted. That is why, even when a water change is done, it can still be used until its capacity has been exhausted and the phosphate concentration in the water rises again (check with JBL Phosphat Test sensitive). 2.0 mg/l in the tap water yields 400 mg phosphate in a 200 l tank if a full water change is done and 200 mg new phosphate if a 50 % water change is done. Therefore, you can calculate the approximate range.
Where did my algae come from?
Algae problems in an aquarium can never be traced to just one factor or general condition, and instead, are always the result of a combination of different factors, which include light, fertilization, water changes – specifically, how often and how much – feeding, fish population and, of course, the specific water parameters.
According to analyses that were performed over a course of a number of years, red algae, at least the common brush algae and beard algae, occur in descending order at the following parameters:
1) too little carbon dioxide (in relationship to 100 % of the measured tank); the pH level should be in the slightly acetic range, depending on the carbonate hardness, in every case.
2) elevated phosphate levels (over 90 %); phosphate limitation by means of JBL PhosEx ultra is often helpful here.
3) too little and too irregular fertilization (there should always be traces of iron at least).
4) insufficient water changes; a weekly water change of over 30 % is recommended for algae problems.
5) not enough fast-growing plants.
After using JBL PhosEx ultra, my tank water is coloured brownish-red.
One can assume that JBL PhosEx ultra was not washed out prior to use.
Rinse the net bag with JBL PhosEx ultra under flowing water before using for the first time in order to remove dust particles which cannot be entirely avoided due to transport, etc.
Do a larger water change of about 50 - 60 %, take JBL PhosEx ultra out of the filter and rinse the granules thoroughly once more. If possible, reduce the filter flow rate for several hours, making sure that the oxygen supply is ensured, so that any particles which may still be present can be deposited and then removed with a gravel cleaner.
Can JBL PhosEx ultra in the bag be used in the bypass, i.e. in a filter tank / a filter column?
Yes, this is possible. However, you should expect the phosphate adsorption through JBL PhosEx ultra to take longer.
Does JBL PhosEx ultra also stay in the aquarium during water changes when it is in an absorptive state, or does it have to be added again each time?
JBL PhosEx ultra binds approx. 18,000 mg phosphate before its capacity is exhausted. That is why, even when a water change is done, it can still be used until its capacity has been exhausted and the phosphate concentration in the water rises again (test with JBL Phosphat Test sensitive).
Example: 2.0 mg/l in the tap water yields 400 mg phosphate in a 200 l tank if a full water change is done and 200 mg new phosphate if a 50 % water change is done. Accordingly, the amount that can be bound depends on the water change.
