Overview
Advanced adsorbent of phosphate and silicate; provides rapid results.
May be used on an on-going basis as part of a sensible nutrient-control program.
Spherical shape and porosity maximize reactive surface area; promotes reactivity and efficiency by maximizing contact time and minimizing tendency to pack and channel water, and outperforms competing non-spherical phosphate-adsorbent media.
Recommended usage is 2 g of Extrax Phos per 1 US-gallon (3.8 L) in aquarium; 600 grams will adsorb up to 20 mg/L phosphate in 300 US-gallons (1,136 L).
Does not release phosphate, silicate, or soluble compounds into aquarium system .
Safe for use in all freshwater and marine aquaria, including freshwater planted systems and reef systems.
Technical Background
Phosphate, while required in miniscule amounts by living organisms for proper functioning, can indirectly negatively impact the overall appearance of an aquarium system if it is allowed to exist at a concentration measurable by most aquarium test kits (e.g. >0.05 ppm); in order for this impact to occur, other undesirable substances must be present in varying concentrations, however these substances are rarely limiting in the typical marine aquarium. Because of this, elevated phosphate concentrations, whether sporadic or chronic, should be combated. The combined characteristics of shape, porosity, and grade of material enable Extrax Phos to effectively trap phosphate and remove it from aquarium water. This method of treatment may be used as needed and/or on a continual basis to maintain an immeasurable phosphate concentration in a marine aquarium.
While Extrax Phos provides a workable solution to potential phosphate-related problems, it should not be seen as an alternative to proper and sensible aquarium husbandry. Aquaria with extremely-low to immeasurable reactive phosphate often appear more pristine than those in which phosphate is allowed to persist in an elevated concentration. Feeding aquarium inhabitants sensibly, limiting the use of organic-based supplements and additives, use of a high-quality synthetic aquarium salt blend, and performing water changes/replacing evaporation with purified water are all important aspects of phosphate control. Additional means of limiting phosphate are maintaining a culture of macroalgae in the system to naturally deplete phosphate and other substances, and/or the use of an effective and well-maintained protein skimmer.
Instructions and Guidelines
Prior to first use, rinse each 600 grams of Extrax Phos in ½ US-gallon of purified tap water, then discard water; note that Extrax Phos material may become hot when first immersed in this water. Do not rinse in seawater, use freshwater only for rinsing. Use 2 grams of Extrax Phos per 1 US-gallon of water in system and monitor phosphate concentration during usage.
Apply Extrax Phos media as required to obtain and then maintain an immeasurable phosphate. It is time to replace Extrax Phos once the phosphate in the system either ceases to decrease (e.g. when the phosphate is >0.05 mg/L and is no longer falling) or begins to increase; this indicates complete media exhaustion. Slight changes in coloration of the media with usage do not necessarily indicate exhaustion and should not be used as a guideline for when to replace the media.
The longevity of Extrax Phos is largely dependant upon the pre-existing phosphate concentration in the aquarium; the higher the initial concentration, the faster the material exhausts. Effectiveness of Extrax Phos is largely related to the reaction time it has with aquarium water; the longer the reaction time, the more effectively it will remove phosphate and silicate. In all cases, the use of a mechanical pre-filter to remove particulate organic material from water prior to its interaction with this media will inhibit biofouling and prolong effectiveness. Due to the friable nature of the material, use in a fluidized-bed filter is not recommended; instead, placement in a canister filter (active filtration) or 150 μm mesh filter bag (passive filtration) are recommended. If choosing the latter approach, place bag in an area of medium-flow and turn bag over once during usage to shift the media and increase filtration effectiveness.
Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Extrax Phos material may become hot when first immersed in water.
Shipping
How is my order shipped and what does it cost?
Orders are shipped either by Courier [currently FedEX Ground] or Postal Service --- the choice is yours!
For delivery by Courier, you pay the actual charges based on a 1 kG package [2.2 lbs] shipped via ground service, plus a nominal $1.00 service charge to cover the cost of insurance and packing materials. We pay any additional charges.
For Postal Service (your best value), shipping on orders under $100.00 is $13.95 to most locations in Canada, exceptions noted below. For orders between $100.00 and $150.00 the rate is $9.95, for orders between $150.00 and $200.00 the rate is just $4.95 and for orders over $200.00 shipping is FREE. The more you order the more you save! The delivery standard for this service is between 1 to 7 business days between all major centers.
NOTE: Additional Shipping Charges apply to orders being shipped to the NWT, YK, NU and some rural or remote locations in Canada as well as on over sized or heavy items indicated by the the - Additional Shipping symbol.
When will my order be shipped?
On weekdays, in-stock merchandise is shipped the same day if received by 2:00 pm EST. Orders received after that, or on weekends or holidays, are shipped the next business day.
Do you ship to the US or to other International destinations?
Currently we are only shipping within Canada.
Returns
What if I want to return an item?
Should you find it necessary to return an item, please call us first. All returns should be properly packaged to avoid damage and should include all original boxes and paperwork to receive a refund, replacement or credit. Shipping fees are not refundable, unless, of course, you are returning defective merchandise or merchandise we sent in error.
What do I do if a product breaks or doesn't preform as promised?
Keep all warranties and owner's manuals you receive with your merchandise. In the event an item becomes defective or just doesn't live up to your expectations, please refer to the warranty information you received for proper handling procedures.
![Brightwell Extrax Phos [600 g]](/PH820/skus/BW/BW-ExtraxPhos-600g.jpeg "Brightwell Extrax Phos [600 g]")
