Phosphate Remover vs. Turbo Snail

[adrianlau]

I've added Sorb4 into my filter, does that mean that my Turbo Snail becomes optional? Alternative way of asking the same question is - will my Turbo Snail become hungry since Sorb4 will prevent algae from growing?

Tks

[minireef]

I don't think Sorb4 can completly eridicate the algae. Have both of them.

[ClOwNy_LoVeR]

hi bro this is my thinking ok.Sorb4 is to remove to phosphate particles in the water and turbo snails is to get rid of the particles that are on the glass(algae)cheers

[XPeriment 626]

To clarify what does what:

Algae uses nutrients in the tank to grow, specifically nitrate. The growth rate is fairly constant provided that sufficient nitrate is available. However, the presence of phosphate helps to increase the rate of growth of the algae, leading to algal blooms. You can think of nitrate as "food" and phosphate as "vitamin" which speeds growth.

Sorb-4 or other supposed phosphate removers absorb the phosphate in the water. This helps to slow down algae growth. However, algae will still grow, although at a much reduced rate. Turbo snails can help to eat the algae that does grow. They do not directly eat phosphate. Using them to "reduce" phosphate does not work, as the amount of algae they eat is small compared to the amount that will grow with just a small phosphate problem.

You should keep your water clean by being disciplined in not over-feeding, in changing water regularly and using phosphate removers. You may then decide whether or not to also have snails depending on the amount of resulting algae growth. If your water is well maintained, you generally will not need many snails. And yes, your snail may die if there is insufficient algae, which is why you need to monitor the algae growth and not simply buy snails to put into the tank.

[jai9prakash@yahoo.com]

Can anyone upload the snail picture for a better understanding? I,am having similar problem and I think the snail will do its part if I were to keep. Thanks

[John Deroe Kenedy]

Sorb 4, Po4 Removing agent... Turbo Snails algae eater/controller... 2 totally different function.

Even with a low nitrate and po4 level, algae will still grow but not rapidly.. Using the snails will help u controll algae...

I myself using Rowaphos in a reactor and also have turbo snails...