What is the best way to use a phosphate reactor?

[wolmutt]

I am having a hair algae problem, and after seeing the third speaker on Sat. have decided to get a phosphate reactor. I ordered some media from Julian Sprung's company, is this good product? What is the best way to use it without affecting alkalinity? Any advice I can get would be very helpful. Thanks.

[JnS]

a canister filter will work....

[PLNelson]

You can make a Phosban reactor out of a small gatorade bottle. do a search on RC, there are a few DIY threads about them.

[wolmutt]

More importantly my question is how do you use it without having your alkalinity crash.

[mattb]

Are you going to use GFO or the aluminum-based product? I've used ROWAphos in the past and never had alk issues when using it... I've not used the aluminum-based stuff for many, many, many years.... If used as directed you'll be fine with GFO. The biggest concern is stipping the water so fast of PO4 and potential effects on the corals.

[wolmutt]

ah, finally someone who reads my questions. Thanks mattb.

[rihanssu]

use a small amount with SLOW! water flow for a week then increase it slowly while watching your alk. you should be cool that way. also you won't burn your corals