Poly Filters

I quite like polyfilters because of the color change that lets me know a) when they are exhausted, and b) what I've got happening in the tank.

That said, I also currently use some phosphate removing media and I think the two together are overdoing it... my sps growth slowed when they went in in combination. I have two questions.

1. Does anyone have any good feel for the phosphate absorbtion capacity of a poly filter. Is this a decent sollution for phosphate/silicate over a two week period or is it spent the first day?

2. How do people feel about these. Are they any good, okay, junk?

Thanks.

 

Poly filters seem a bit pricey to use all the time, but can be a fine addition, especially when certain, tough to identify issues come up.

I don't think they will remove much phosphate and generally, low phosphate would be expected to speed SPS growth, not slow it. There is some debate as to whether phosphate can be too low. I tend to believe this is highly unlikely, but perhaps binders are removing other things along with phosphate, that cause issues when low. I couldn't say definitively though FWIW.

 

They make a phosphate removal poly pad that is coated with ferric oxide and red or rust in color when new.
Aquarium Filtration & Maintenance: Phosphate Filter Pads