Seachem Phosguard

Seachem Phosguard

Seachem Phosguard is a spherical phosphate and silicate filter media for marine and freshwater aquaria. It is designed for aquarium keepers who need to reduce phosphate or silicate levels with a highly porous media that supports strong water flow through the filter.

Key Benefits

• Rapidly removes phosphate and silicate from aquarium water.
• Highly porous media provides high capacity.
• Spherical bead shape supports water flow and helps prevent the compaction associated with granular media.
• Uses irreversible binding and does not leach phosphate or silicate back into the water.
• Can be removed, dried and returned to service until exhausted.

Suitable For

• Marine aquaria, including reef conditions around pH 8.
• Freshwater aquaria that are not phosphate-buffered.

Compatibility

• Canister filters, media chambers, box filters and high-flow areas of trickle filters.
• A filter bag is recommended.
• Position the media to maximise water flow through it, without allowing it to tumble against itself.

How to Use

PhosGuard may generate heat on its first contact with water. Pre-wet it by adding it to a double volume of freshwater (500 mL), then rinse before placing it in the filter. For ongoing control, continuous use of small quantities is preferable to intermittent use of larger quantities.

Dosage

Use 85 mL (1/3 cup) for every 200 L (50 US gallons) of saltwater or 400 L (100 US gallons) of freshwater. Leave in place for 4 days, then test phosphate or silicate. If the target level has not decreased to around 0.02 mg/L, replace the media; otherwise, leave it in place until levels begin to climb again. Do not over-treat.

What's Included

• Seachem PhosGuard phosphate and silicate-removing filter media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Seachem PhosGuard be used in freshwater and marine tanks?
Yes. It is intended for both freshwater and marine aquaria, but it is not recommended for phosphate-buffered freshwater.

How much PhosGuard should I use in a saltwater aquarium?
Use 85 mL (1/3 cup) per 200 L (50 US gallons) of saltwater.

How much should I use in freshwater?
Use 85 mL (1/3 cup) per 400 L (100 US gallons) of freshwater, provided the aquarium is not phosphate-buffered.

When should I replace the media?
After 4 days, test phosphate or silicate. Replace it if the level has not fallen to around 0.02 mg/L; otherwise, keep it in use until levels rise again.

Can PhosGuard be regenerated by baking it?
No. Aluminium oxide is not regenerable by baking. Drying the media does not restore its phosphate-removal capacity.

Can I use PhosGuard in a reef aquarium?
The manufacturer’s controlled testing found no detectable soluble aluminium released from alumina under reef conditions near pH 8. Low pH and high dosage levels can release soluble aluminium, so follow the stated dosage and avoid over-treating.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

If you prefer a faster 🚀 shipping option, we also offer The Courier Guy during checkout in the dropdown selection. Please note that this option is not free, and you must choose it to use it. Please pay careful attention to the cutoff times and delivery timeframe for these options during checkout.

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No more waiting at home or at work for your delivery. Simply choose a collection locker or pickup point and collect your order when it suits you.

Delivery times to lockers and pickup locations typically range from 2–7 working days, depending on your location.*

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Collection timeframes:

• Bob Box: Collect within 2 days of receiving your collection notification.
• PUDO Lockers: Collect within 36 hours of receiving your collection PIN or SMS notification.

If a PUDO parcel is not collected within 36 hours, it will automatically be transferred to the nearest PUDO Kiosk or Depot at no additional cost. The parcel will then be held there for approximately 2 days before being returned.

Please ensure you collect your parcel within the applicable collection period. Uncollected parcels will be returned to the sender, and additional shipping charges may apply should the order need to be resent.