Opti-Phos™

Traditionally, phosphate removal products are made with iron or aluminum oxide granules. Once these granules have absorbed their maximum capacity, they are permanently exhausted and must be thrown away.

Opti-Phos is a revolutionary phosphate removal media made from hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) infused into a synthetic bead. The result is a precision engineered phosphate removal media featuring high storage capacity, steady absorption rates and regeneration capabilities.

The beads are made from a highly durable polymer to help eliminate any "grinding down" of the media in fluidized reactors. Unlike all other phosphate removal products, no iron or aluminum dust is released into your aquarium.

Features

• Uniform spherical beads for maximal contact time and constant flow rate
• No "grinding" of media when used in fluidized bed filters
• Most cost effective media - Can be regenerated 4-5 times
• Absorbs Phosphates, Silicates and dissolve organics
• Does not release phosphates once bound to bead
 

Size: 300 mL - Treats 150G of aquarium water per recharge.

Cross-Sectional view of an Opti-Phos bead

A synthetic polymer bead is used as a base for Opti-Phos™. This durable compound provides  steady absorption rates, excellent hydro-dynamics,  rates and high abrasion resistance. The unique nature of the polymer also allows the regeneration of the beads.

Hydrous Ferric Oxide (HFO) is infused into the core of the bead. This process results in a strong affinity for inorganic phosphate molecules, while maintaining the physical characteristics of the polymer bead.

Directions:
We recommend using 100mL of Opti-Phos media for every 50G of total system volume.
For first time users of phosphate control media, we recommend using 50mL for every 50G of total system volume to ensure proper acclimatization to lower phosphate levels.

Fluidized media reactors:
For best results, Opti-Phos should be used in a fluidized media reactor. When loaded into a canister filter, run RO water through the unit until it the water runs clear. This is to remove any residue from the manufacturing process. Although not harmful to your aquarium, this residue will temporarily discolour your water if not rinsed.  Adjust the flowrate so that the media is shimmering in the fluidized bed.  Check to ensure that the media is not physically being blown out of the reactor.

Passive application without a reactor:
Although Opti-Phos is still effective in passive applications,  it is not as efficient as running the media in a fluidized reactor. Even in ideal flow scenarios, passive applications can only achieve 70% of the efficiency of a fluidized reactor. Place the media into a fine mesh filter bag or a stocking. Ensure that the mesh size is small enough that the beads do not fall out. (A 150-200 micron bag will work well.) Rinse the filled bag with some RO water to remove any residue from the manufacturing process. Place this bag in an area of moderate (but constant) flow. We recommend repositioning the filter bag every week to thoroughly utilize the available surface on the beads.

Regeneration:

Depending on the organic load of your aquarium, regeneration intervals will vary.
Average aquariums will require bead regeneration every 6-8 weeks.

Regeneration of Opti-Phos is performed using a solution of Sodium Carbonate.

Instructions to make solution:

Mix the following three components in a bucket
1) 1 Liter/quart of aquarium water (S.G.  of 1.021 - 1.025)
2) 1 Liter/quart of very hot water (Boiling tap water is fine)
3) 200 mL of sodium carbonate
This will make approximately 2 Liters of hot regeneration solution
2 Liters of solution will regenerate 300mL of Opti-Phos.

Fluidized media reactors:
1) Turn off the reactor feed pump
2) Place the reactor feed pump in the bucket of regeneration solution
3) Turn on feed pump and run all 2 liters of regeneration solution through the media
4) After the regeneration process, run 1 gallon of RO water through the unit to return the pH back to neutral
5) Return the feed pump back into the original location and restart reactor.

Note: Ensure that the flow-rate during regeneration is similar to the operating flow.
(The media should be shimmering slightly in the canister and not being forced out)

The regeneration solution should go through the reactor and empty into a separate bucket or down a drain.
CAUTION: DO NOT DIRECT THE OUTPUT OF THE REACTOR BACK INTO THE AQUARIUM DURING REGENERATION

Depending on the particular setup, hobbyists may find it convenient to remove the media reactor/pump and to perform the regeneration process in a sink.
Using fluidized media reactors, running 2L of solution through 300mL of media will remove around 95% of the bound phosphate. Running 4L through every 300mL of media will remove around 98% of the bound phosphates.

Passive application without a reactor:
1) Using a nail, puncture a small hole in the cap of the 2L pop bottle.
2) Cut off the bottom of a 2L pop bottle
3) Invert the pop bottle and place the filter bag filled with Opti-Phos into tapered neck of the pop bottle
4) Pour the regeneration solution into the inverted pop bottle and allow the solution to drain out into the sink.
5) Pour 1 gallon of RO water through the pop bottle to return the pH back to neutral

In this passive application, running 2L of solution through 300mL of media will remove around 85% of the bound phosphate. Running 4L through every 300mL of media will remove around 90% of the bound phosphates.