SeaChem SeaGel or Purigen?

[bhskicker18]

Which is better, SeaGel or Purigen? And if they are different, which is better? I'm trying to buy only one, so which is the best for a BioCube 29 with the stevieT Media Rack in chamber 2? If I need to buy both, I will, but I'm trying to keep cost down while I'm job hunting.

 

 

 

Thanks,

Will

[seabass]

I guess, out of the two, I'd pick Purigen. However, you could also consider Chemi-Pure Elite (or simply, activated carbon).

[bhskicker18]

I guess, out of the two, I'd pick Purigen. However, you could also consider Chemi-Pure Elite (or simply, activated carbon).

 

I'm going to be using Chemi-Pure Elite also.

[StevieT]

If you are already using chemi pure elite then go with the purigen. Sea gel would only be overkill on the GFO

[bhskicker18]

If you are already using chemi pure elite then go with the purigen. Sea gel would only be overkill on the GFO

 

What does GFO mean?

[LogansRunRx]

depends on what you want it to do...

they are different products with different intended uses.

problem is, you're not comparing apples to apples.

 

Purigen is an exancange media that is primarily aimed at removing organics and nitrates from the system.

 

SeaGel is a combo of Matrix Carbon (activated carbon) and PhosGuard (a phosphate and silicate remover).

 

What does GFO mean?

GFO = granular ferric oxide -> a phosphate remover

[bhskicker18]

ok I think I have a general idea about what each one is. Ok then, which would you guys recommend, sea gel or chemi pure elite?

[seabass]

SeaGel is alluminum based. I'd choose Chemi-Pure Elite.

[bhskicker18]

SeaGel is alluminum based. I'd choose Chemi-Pure Elite.

 

I sorta skimmed over that article, but is SeaGel something that I need to avoid?

[seabass]

I sora skimmed over that article, but is SeaGel something that I need to avoid?

Read the article. Note SeaGel contains Phosguard.

 

I've used it years ago with OK results and no noticeable problems. However, there are better phosphate removers available, IMO.

[LogansRunRx]

i respect seabass, and i'm not trying to start an argument...

 

the "dose" of PhosGuard in this experiment was 75ml of PhosGuard in 500ml of saltwater.

the recommendations for use of the product are 250ml per 75 GALLONS of saltwater.

(1 gal = 3785 ml x 75 = 283875 ml)

that's roughly a 1000x more than would be used in an aquarium.

Holmes-Farley acknowledges this in the article

and even at this HUGE dose, some of the values were at (or near the limit of quantification of the assay)

 

what's my point?

if used correctly it's unlikely that Al is going to cause a problem

ive seen beautiful tanks that have used PhosGuard for years without problem.

 

hey, GFO breaks down over time as well.

and this isn't good for the tank either.

change your media regularly...

 

just another opinion.

[Reefmonster]

I sorta skimmed over that article, but is SeaGel something that I need to avoid?

IMO, Purigen is a better product for removing PO4, (phosphate). GFO is basically just granulated rust, but it draws Phosphate to it the same way that the Iron in blood draws Oxygen..in other words it has an affinity for the oxygens in the Phosphate molecule, sort of like a magnet to iron.

[seabass]

i respect seabass, and i'm not trying to start an argument...

No problem. I even pointed out that I've used the product successfully without issues.

 

I stressed reading the article to get better understanding of the issues (so that readers can make up their own minds). And like you pointed out, the article states that "these tests were carried out on a large amount of Phosguard in a small amount of water". The article only states that some aluminum is released, and high levels of aluminum can affect some organisms.

 

It's something to be aware of and to consider when choosing a phosphate remover. It's effectiveness as a phosphate remover should also be considered. I'm certainly not saying don't buy SeaGel or Phosguard. However, given the choice between Chemi-Pure Elite and SeaGel, I choose Chemi-Pure Elite (and provided my reasoning).

[IronSnake]

There's no right or wrong with Purigen or SeaGel. I use them both. The issue is when we leave them in the tank too long without changing them out. I wasted tons of money on these stuff, now I just use cheapo active carbon from bulkreefsupply and a phosban reactor. I change carbon every other week, and Phosban media every month. I can barely keep cheato alive

[bhskicker18]

Thanks everybody for yall's opinion! I'm getting Chemi-Pure Elite based on what all everybody has said. I'll try Sea Gel sometime and compare the two product. I'm also going to use Purigen in the StevieT Media Rack! But thanks for everybodys input!

[inTank]

the StevieT Media Rack!

 

Our baskets are better than his

[bhskicker18]

Our baskets are better than his

What zip code are you located at?

[classic]

i am running seagel and filterfloss, should seagel go in first and then the filter floss? should i rinse the seagel from time to time?