Phosphate Remover
Tap Water for Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Use; From Chlorine and Chloramines to Nitrates, Nitrites, and Phosphates
What should I know about tap water for my aquarium?
There US standards for tap water quality (and I am sure other nations such as the UK have their own regulations too), but that does not mean that these allowed levels are safe for fish (or humans for that matter). This article will discuss the effects of allowed substances in tap water on fish.
CHLORINE AND CHLORAMINES:
To start with most city tap water has chlorine, which is an oxidizer (A chemical substance that gains electrons in a redox chemical reaction), but this can kill fish by burning their gills and poisoning their blood. Some municipalities use chloramines because they are more stable than chlorine. Chloramines are a chemical compound of chlorine and ammonia and cannot be boiled our or allowed to sit for a few days to remove them before adding this water to an aquarium. You will need to remove chloramines chemically before adding tap water that contains this to your aquarium. Standard de-chlorinators such as “Start Right Water Conditioner” will remove the chlorine, but leave the ammonia (NH4) for either your bio filtration or Zeolite (freshwater only) to remove. These basic de-chlorinating products are simple Reducers (sodium thiosulfate) and are quite safe, even overdosed contrary to some opinions floating around. Products such as Amquel or “Prime- (Removes ammonia, chlorine, chloramines, ammonia)” will remove the chlorine and neutralize the ammonia (and more). Prime is made from Hydrosulfite salts which are basically non toxic reducing agents made up of bisulfites and hydrosulfites, aqueous solution, buffered at pH 8. As mentioned earlier, reducing agents are basically non toxic at reasonable doses to fish and aquatic animals. Please see my article “Aquarium Redox Potential; How it relates to proper aquatic health”
INORGANIC CHEMICALS; Nitrites, Nitrates, Copper, Phosphates, and Fluoride:
Nitrites are allowed up to 1 ppm, yet at this level there can be some damage to fish gills. Methylene Blue can be used for treatment of nitrite poisoning, but it is best to avoid this. A good bio filter will generally remove trace amounts of this from tap water, as will products such as Prime.
Nitrates are allowed up to 10 ppm, yet at this level in human studies infants under 6 months can become ill and suffer symptoms such as Blue Baby Syndrome. Now this level has shown no ill effect in any fish studies I have seen, but levels above 20 ppm can harm some marine cephalopods. It makes since in many marine aquariums too use RO water to mix up your salt mix or top off for evaporation so as to not add to hard to remove nitrates in you marine aquarium.
Other allowed chemicals of note are Copper- 1.3 ppm, Phosphates (no standards) and Fluoride- 4.0 ppm. Copper at these levels is not generally a problem with fish or aquatic invertebrates, but if you are already treating with copper sulfate or if this is allowed to accumulate in a Reef Tank this is something an aquarist should be aware of. Copper levels above 5 ppm can start to become dangerous for some delicate invertebrates such as corals and levels above 25 ppm can be dangerous to fish. It also should be noted for copper, that in hot water in particular, copper can be also added to tap water via home copper plumbing.
As for Fluoride; I have not found conclusive studies on the harm of Fluoride to fish or other aquatic creatures, in fact trace amounts are necessary for coral growth in marine aquariums. So despite over stated worries about Fluoride in tap water used in aquariums, this in one I would not consider.
As for Phosphates; many municipalities use phosphates to reduce the levels of lead that have been found in drinking water. Phosphates create a protective film on the inside of the pipe, slowing the electrochemical processes that lead to corrosion. Unfortunately for aquarists this can lead to extra algae growth, especially of Blue Green Algae (Cyanobacteria). This can be a real problem in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums without easy solutions. I have used many phosphate sponges with mixed results, but I can say with certainty is that carbon will not remove phosphate, in fact some carbon may even add to your phosphate levels. Protein Skimmers in marine aquariums can remove some phosphates, but I have not recorded that much difference.
Water changes using RO water and then adding minor elements and electrolytes back in is another solution. In freshwater aquariums, “Wonder Shells – calcium and electrolyte replenisher” can help with this, but in saltwater the marine mixes have all the elements you need.
For my full aricle and other aquatic answers:
About the Author
By Carl Strohmeyer
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Information.html
SeaKlear Phosphate Removal Video
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API Phos-Zorb Phosphate Remover $1.99 |
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Microbe-Lift Phosphate Remover Salt & Fresh Water 4 oz $3.09 |
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Microbe-Lift Phosphate Remover Salt & Fresh Water 8 oz $5.28 |
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Laguna Phos-X Phosphate remover $29.95 |
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ROWAPhos Phosphate Removal Media – 100 mL D-D $16.99 |
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ROWAPhos Phosphate Removal Media – 250 mL D-D $24.99 |
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Magnavore Pura PhosLock Aquarium Phosphate Remover 795g $39.99 |
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Laguna Phos-X Phosphate Remover Super concentrated treats1320 gallons free ship $27.49 |
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2LB GFO Granular Ferric Oxide Phosphate Remover $12.99 |
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2LB GFO Granular Ferric Oxide Phosphate Remover $20.99 |
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2LB GFO Granular Ferric Oxide Phosphate Remover $38.99 |
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2LB GFO Granular Ferric Oxide Phosphate Remover $275.00 |
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SeaChem Phosguard 2 L Phosphate Remover $21.90 |
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Super Phosphate Remover 1 Qt – NY1985 $37.95 |
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PhosAway Swimming Pool Phosphate Remover Phos Away Algae Pond Preventer ProTeam $24.95 |
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Brightwell Aquatics Phosphat-E 500ml Phosphate Remover $26.99 |
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SEACHEM PhosGuard remove phosphate silicate natural plant aquaruim 100 mL 250 mL $14.55 |
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SEACHEM PhosGuard remove phosphate silicate natural plant aquaruim 100 mL 250 mL $27.57 |
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Phos-X Phosphate Remover Granules All Ponds & Filters $32.39 |
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API Prevent Algae Size 6 Phos-Zorb Phosphate remover $19.12 |
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3x Nitrate & Phosphate Remover Sponge NO3 PO4 aquarium $19.99 |
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10x Nitrate & Phosphate Remover Sponge NO3 PO4 aquarium $59.99 |
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MICROBE LIFT PHOSPHATE REMOVER KOI & FISH PONDS 1 GAL. $68.88 |
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MICROBE LIFT PHOSPHATE REMOVER KOI & FISH PONDS 1 QT. $24.88 |
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Microbe-Lift Phosphate Remover 1 Gallon,Ecological Labs $69.95 |
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ULTRA LIQUID PHOSPHATE REMOVER FRESHWATER ULTRALIFE FREE SHIP USA $21.95 |
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Get Tanked with Agent Green Phosphate Remover Reduces Reef Aquarium Algae 4oz $13.95 |
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HAGEN Phos-X Phosphate Remover, 0.14 oz, treats 15 gal. $4.19 |
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Pond Care phosphate remover-19 oz $2.93 |
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D-D RP-5000 ROWAphos Phosphate Removal Media 5kg Bucke $264.97 |
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Microbe-Lift Phosphate Remover – 16 oz. $8.00 |
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Seachem PhosGuard Phosphate Remover for Aquariums 500 ml $9.59 |
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ORENDA PR-10000 PHOSPHATE REMOVER (GALLON) $130.00 |
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CV-700 PHOSPHATE REMOVER & CATALYTIC ENZYME (GALLON) $80.00 |
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ROWA phos Phosphate Remover for Aquariums 250 ml $25.95 |
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Seachem PhosGuard 250 ml Phosphate Remover $5.95 |
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PONDCARE PHOS-OUT KOI POND PHOSPHATE REMOVER 16OZ $11.88 |
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PONDCARE PHOS-OUT KOI POND PHOSPHATE REMOVER 32OZ $23.88 |
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PONDCARE PHOS-OUT KOI POND PHOSPHATE REMOVER 64OZ $33.88 |
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DEEP BLUE PHOSPHATE REDUCER REMOVER PAD 18X10 FILTER CUT TO FIT FREE SHIP TO USA $9.23 |
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SeaChem Phosguard 2 L Phosphate Remover $24.90 |
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Magnavore Pura PhosLock Phosphate Remover 454g $23.95 |
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Magnavore Pura PhosLock Aquarium Phosphate Remover 150g $13.99 |
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PhosBan Phosphate Remover 150 450 454 Two Little Fishes $69.95 |
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Phos-Buster Part A & Part B CaribSea (2) 8 fl.oz. Phosphate Remover $39.99 |
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Vanson Sea Kleer Phosphate Remover ZERO-PHOS PHOSPHATE $33.99 |
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SeaKlear Phosphate Remover CR 1040114 Enhances Salt Chlorine Generators-32 oz $35.99 |
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ROWAPhos Phosphate Removal Media – 500 mL D-D $39.99 |
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Hagen Phos-X Fish Aquarium Phosphate Remover 0.14oz $5.99 |
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Fluval Hagen Lab Series Aquarium Phosphate Remover 150g $25.99 |
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Hagen Phos-X Fish Aquarium Phosphate Remover 3.5oz $11.99 |
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Microbe-Lift Phosphate Remover Salt & Fresh Water (4 oz) $3.09 |
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SeaKlear Phosphate Remover For Swimming Pool Enhances Salt Chlorine 32oz 1040114 $35.00 |
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Natural Chemistry Phosfloc Phosphate Remover 4 lbs $25.49 |
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Natural Chemistry Phosfloc Phosphate Remover 2 x 4 lbs $50.98 |
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PhosBuster Pro Phosphate Remover CaribSea Phos-Buster $24.95 |
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Brightwell Phosphat-E-Liquid Phosphate Remover 250 ML $15.99 |
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Brightwell Phosphat-E-Liquid Phosphate Remover 500 ML $26.99 |
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Brightwell Phosphat-E-Liquid Phosphate Remover 2 Liter $59.99 |
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NEW!! Fluval Lab Series Phosphate Remover 5.3 oz A-1500 $29.98 |
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Dr.Tim’s Bio pellets NP-Active Pearls Phosphate Nitrate Removal Aquarium Reef $36.50 |
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Dr Tim’s Bio Pellets NP-Active Pearls 900ml Aquarium Nitrate Phosphate Removal $76.00 |
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D-D RP-100 ROWAphos Phosphate Removal Media – 1000 mL $70.98 |
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Fluval Clearmax Phos-X Phosphate Remover 10.5 oz 3pk $9.38 |
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Hagen Fluval Phosphate Remover for freshwater & marine $22.95 |
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Natural Chemistry PHOSfloc 4 lbs Phosphate Remover $22.99 |
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POND CARE PHOSPHATE REMOVER- 90 OZ. $13.93 |
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Nitrate & Phosphate Remover Sponge NO3 PO4 filter Media $8.99 |
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5 Gallons GFO Granular Ferric Oxide Phosphate Remover 20LB Bucket $275.00 |
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Natural Chemistry Pool Magic + Phosfree Phos Free Phosphate Remover 1 Liter $20.98 |
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Natural Chemistry Pool Magic + Phosfree Phos Free Phosphate Remover 1 Liter $241.84 |
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Natural Chemistry Pool Magic + Phosfree Phos Free Phosphate Remover 1 Liter $41.54 |
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Natural Chemistry Pool Magic + Phosfree Phos Free Phosphate Remover 1 Liter $61.69 |
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Natural Chemistry Pool Magic + Phosfree Phos Free Phosphate Remover 1 Liter $122.14 |
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Phosban Reef Aquarium Phosphate Remover 454g by TLF $39.99 |
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Two Little Fishies Phosban 1200 gm Phosphate Remover $96.95 |
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Two Little Fishies Phosban 150 gm Phosphate Remover TLF $18.57 |
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Two Little Fishies Phosban 550 Reactor For use with PHOSPHATE REMOVER & NPX $86.95 |
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Two Little Fishies Phosban Reactor 150 PHOSPHATE REMOVER $46.32 |
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SeaKlear Swimming Pool Phosphate Remover 1-Qt SKZ-U-Q $59.95 |
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Seachem Phosguard Aquarium Fish Tank Phosphate Remover 100ml $7.84 |
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Magnavore Pura PhosLock Phosphate Remover 150g $12.95 |
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Fluval Clearmax Phos-X Phosphate Remover 10oz 3pk x12pk $92.89 |
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PO4X4 PHOSPHATE REMOVER FOR REEF AQUARIUMS 1000ML $78.95 |
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Aquarium filter media pad remove phosphate po4 30×30cm $8.99 |
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Seachem Phosguard Phosphate Remover 2 Liter Aquarium Fish Filter Media $24.99 |
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Phos-Out (64 oz.)-phosphate remover-algae control-water garden-clear pond-fish $47.99 |
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Two Little Fishies PhosBan Phosphate Removal Media 45 $33.59 |
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PHOSPHATE REMOVAL – THE EASY WAY WITH PHOSAR! 500g $29.95 |
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Microbe-Lift Phosphate Remover Salt & Fresh Water (8 oz) $5.28 |
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PhosBan Phosphate Remover 454 gm 1 lb Two Little Fishies $44.50 |
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Seachem Phosguard Phosphate Remover 250ml 250 ml $18.59 |
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Seachem Phosguard Phosphate Remover 100ml 100 ml $7.95 |
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Phos-X green-x Fish tank algae Phosphate Remover .14oz $5.98 |
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Ultralife Reef Liquid Phosphate Remover & Control 2oz. $19.99 |
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Ecological Laboratories Pond Phosphate Remover 32 Oz $23.47 |
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D-D RP-25 ROWAphos Phosphate Removal Media – 250 mL $26.99 |
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Nitrate & Phosphate Remover Sponge NO3 PO4 x2 pads bio $9.99 |
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Reef Aquarium Dual Media Phosphate Reactor High Flow Algae Removal Maxijet 1200 $72.00 |
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Two Little Fishies Phosban Phosphate Removal Media 150 $11.59 |
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AquaGlow Umbrella Lights – Antique Bronze $19.99 AquaGlow Floating Light GardenTM Create a warm and inviting environment with the luminous Floating Light Garden. Brighten up your home, pool, spa or tub with a warm bouquet of glowing colors. Be creative, as they can be used virtually anywhere, in or out of water. ? Indoors: floating in your bathtub, a bowl of water, or sitting on your table or nightstand ? Outdoors: in your pool, spa, on y… |
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Finish Glass Magic Dishwasher Performance Booster: 16 OZ $4.29 Minerals in hard water can cause white film deposits and ugly spots to build-up on dishes, glasses, flatware, cookware, and plastic items in your dishwasher. Finish GLASS MAGIC Performance Booster removes minerals in the water so your detergent can work its best to get your dishes sparkling clean and glasses crystal clear. Use Finish GLASS MAGIC regularly in addition to your dishwasher detergent. … |
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Lemi Shine, Dishwater Detergent Additive, Super Concentrated, 12 oz (2 Pack). $14.89 2 pack… |
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Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Anti-Aging Roller, 0.2 Ounce $6.79 Advanced anti-aging. Tri-roller applicator. Regeneration + diminished eye puffiness, lines and wrinkles. The Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller features precision micro-rollers that gently massage in a concentrated, hydrating anti-aging treatment to not only help reduce eye puffiness, but also regenerate skin’s appearance to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. The results? Younger looking skin without… |
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3 PACK ACUREL PHOSPHATE REMOVER MEDIA PAD, Size: 10 X 18 INCH $29.88 Quickly lowers phosphates which reduces algae growth and water change frequency. Effectively traps all organic particles, foreign debris, excess food and waste. Thick, rigid design creates a tighter fit, holds shape longer, decreases water pass-through and extends life of pad. Can be cut to fit any aquarium or pond filtration unit. Promotes a healthy aquatic environment.(Size: 10 X 18 INCH)… |
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Phos – guard Phosphate Remover 20 Liter (Catalog Category: Aquarium / Filter Media) Phos – guard Phosphate Remover 20 Liter. DIRECTIONS: For best results, PhosGuard should be placed so as to maximize the flow of water through it. It may be used in a canister filter, box filter, or any high flow area of a trickle filter. In some situations it may be necessary to use in a filter bag. Use 250 mL (~1?cup) for every 300 L (75 gallons*). Leave product in place for 4 days, then test ph… |
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RustBlast – Rust Remover – One Gallon w/ Spray Bottle $27.95 Blast it with RustBlast! This powerful water-based rust remover and zinc phosphate metal etch provides an ideal surface for optimal paint coverage and permanent adhesion. Your treated surface is now ideally textured and ready for a deep chemical bond between any coating and the rusted base metal. APPLICATIONS: steel * cast iron * brass * aluminum * galvanized * copper * steel alloys * metal castin… |
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PPG Rust Converter DX520 – Phosphoric Acid Based Coating $59.96 PPG DX520 is a phosphoric acid based coating chemical that will produce a zinc phosphate coating on galvanized or steel surfaces. PPG DX520 contains a small amount of detergent which aids in the removal of light soils and oils and promotes the formation of a uniform zinc phosphate coating. DX520 is pale green in color and may turn darker over time…. |
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Eastwood Fast Etch Rust Remover w/ Spray Bottle 32oz. $22.99 Ideal prep for painting and powder coating Leaves zinc phosphate coating Non-flammable, non-corrosive and non-toxic This specially formulated rust remover is a powerful, rust-fighting liquid created to meet the needs of auto restorers. It reaches even inaccessible areas, quickly dissolving iron oxide completely and leaving a zinc phosphate coating. Fast Etch can be s… |