The Puffer Forum

If you use Phos-Guard in a planted tank it will cause deficiency symptoms in the plants and perhaps upset the heterotrophic bacteria via phosphate deficiency. By using it for the water before the partials, you can add the required phosphate back in the the tank. The normal P:N ration is about 1:10 up to 1:7. For aquatics, phosphate is a macronutrient (NPK are the macros, plus bio-available carbon) but it has the lowest levels of the three for aquatics, and that provides plenty for the bacteria as well.

This treatment does remove both the phosphate and the soluble silicates down to deficiency levels for both plants and bacteria. It is a PITA, but easier than using RODI water and then having to fertilize and supplement so many things regularly and routinely.

HTH

Would doing smaller water changes be effective at all?

RTR you've just given me a brilliant idea...

Well good! That is what forums are for.

Don't forget to share it if it helps... We aee all still learning!