Phosphate precipitation

[kanapino]

Hi Randy,

First off let me say that I'm writing you here, instead of directly via email, for the sake of others who may be interested.

I actually would like to know some articles or papers written on the topic of phosphate precipitation in the reef auarium, ocean or otherwise by use of calicium hydroxide additions.

I recently observed a presentation on the comparisin between the use of limewater and CaCO3/CO2 where the lecturer stated that the precipitation of phosphate by the addition of limewater is minimal, therefore not a relible method for phosphate removal. The opinion of the lecturer was only use of a phosphate absorber was a reliable use to remove phosphate. Right in a sense this person was, the phosphate was not removed from the aquarium.

To keep this short I would appreciate if you could direct me to more sources(i.e. papers, articles, etc.) on the topic of phoshate precipitation by use of the addition of calcium hydroxide or something in this general direction.

much appreciated,
Brian

 

[randy holmes-farley]

Craig Bingman wrote one on that topic for hard copy Aquarium Frontiers:

Precipitation of phosphate in limewater and in the aquarium by Craig Bingman, Aquarium Frontiers, Fall 1995

In it he had an experiment that showed in one spercific case, the phosphate appeared to decline.

I discuss this topica bit in these two articles, but show no experimental data:

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish/libra ... ordNo=2481

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/ ... 2/chem.htm

 

[kanapino]

Thanks Randy.

I was actually hoping for some experimental data; but if it doesn't exist than it doesn't.

Brian

 

[randy holmes-farley]

You're welcome.

The only actual data that I've seen is Craig's in that first article.

 

[kanapino]

Randy,

Any chance of someone repaeating this experiment in the near future?

The reason being is that I think it is quite controversial topic recently.

Brian

 

[randy holmes-farley]

Is it? I haven't noticed any controversy, but I agree that the evidence is not conclusive that it does anything since it was a single experiment that has not been closely tested on other aquaria.

I cannot do it on my tank because phosphate is very low due to macroalgae growth. I'd have to set up a test tank. Before growing macroalgae, but when using limewater, I did have elevated phosphate, but I have no idea whether it would have been even higher in the absence of using limewater.

 

[kanapino]

Randy,

By "controversy" I meant, that there are people who believe that the addition of limewater does not cause phosphate precipitation(or not to a great extent), as written by Peter Wilkens and tested by Craig Bingham. Also there is confusion on whether this happens best by addition of the milky limewater or limewater that has been left to settle.

Maybe I could have stated it better by saying "the data is not conclusive?"

With your permission I could send you an email with data that was recently presented showing that limewater has very little effect on the precipitation of phosphate as compared to using a phosphate absorber.

 

[randy holmes-farley]

Sure, I'd be happy to see it.

 

[kanapino]

Give me a couple days because I first need to scan the article.

 

[randy holmes-farley]

Got it, thanks