Can you remove phosphates with a diatom filter?

[ignath]

I have a diatom filter and want to know if there are any phosphate removers I could use in a diatom filter. I know Kent makes a phosphate remover but I dont know if it would work in a diatom. I have the diatom and really dont want to buy a cannister just for the phosphate remover. Thanks for your help.

 

[xdave]

You can put whatever you want in it. Keep in mind it will not filter down to the diatom level without the earth in it, you'll basically be using it as a regular canister filter.

 

[scsinet]

Phosphate removal media usually requires special reactors for safe implementation.
The media itself is very fragile, and when used in filters where the media is allowed to shift around in the flow, it can literally dissolve itself into the water column and cause catastrophic results.
It's best used in a purpose made reactor, or, failing that, packed very tightly into a mesh sock and placed in a low flow area of the sump.

 

[ignath]

Thanks, but I dont have a sump. Im running a larger eheim cannister.

 

[snakeblitz33]

I agree with SCSI net. I think that you should use a phosphate reactor with phosphate reactor media. If you have an excess of phosphates in your water, you definately need to check the phosphates in your top off water. If that's not the case, do a few water changes and make sure that there's nothing dead or dying in your aquarium. Make sure also that your carbon filtration is changed out. (takes out toxins etc. in the water) Happy reefing!