Shelf life of Rowaphos

ashok sakthivel · 09/01/2014, 01:49 PM

I was wondering if Rowaphos has a shelf life. Using an old batch, been with me for about 2 years partly used. Looked a little more red than the fresh stuff and in not bring down the phosphates in my tank.

Thanks,

Ashok

Randy Holmes-Farley · 09/01/2014, 02:06 PM

As long as it didn't dry out, it is fine. If it dried out (maybe the color change), it might have less capacity.

ashok sakthivel · 09/01/2014, 02:45 PM

Thanks Randy, just a doubt. All the other GFO in the market are dry. Does that mean that they have less capacity than rowaphos?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 09/01/2014, 02:58 PM

I don't know. I didn't see a big different between Salifert Phosphate Killer and Rowaphos when I tested them, but that was many years ago and i never finished the very tedious tests necessary.

elviraveloz · 09/02/2014, 01:41 PM

I use Rowaphos. I regenerated twice and the color change to a copper color and I keep it wet in same container it comes.

Posseidon · 11/20/2020, 11:58 PM

I know this is an old post, but just wanted to add my experience for anyone who would search on this topic.

I had an old batch that I had used just once or twice around 2 to 3 years ago. I recently found it lying around and wanted to use it instead of just throwing it away. There was still moisture in it but it did not have the usual dark appearance and was completely red (due to rusting of the GFO). And the granules easily broke into red powdered form when pressed. So, when I fluidize it in reactor, it continuously grinds against each other to release red dust mixture. I ran several gallons of fresh RO Water through it but it never cleared up. Thankfully I didn't run it through my tank system.

So, don't use very old opened and leftover batches. I think the granules completely rust over time making them less effective anyway. And then imagine all that red dust in your display tank. Just wanted to share my experience. Not sure about old but unopened boxes though. Hopefully someone can share their experiences here.

09/01/2014, 01:49 PM	#1
ashok sakthivel Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: eaglescliffe, stockton on tees, UK Posts: 38	Shelf life of Rowaphos I was wondering if Rowaphos has a shelf life. Using an old batch, been with me for about 2 years partly used. Looked a little more red than the fresh stuff and in not bring down the phosphates in my tank. Thanks, Ashok

09/01/2014, 02:06 PM	#2
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	As long as it didn't dry out, it is fine. If it dried out (maybe the color change), it might have less capacity. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

09/01/2014, 02:58 PM	#4
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I don't know. I didn't see a big different between Salifert Phosphate Killer and Rowaphos when I tested them, but that was many years ago and i never finished the very tedious tests necessary. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

11/20/2020, 11:58 PM	#6
Posseidon Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 137	Avoid very old opened batches I know this is an old post, but just wanted to add my experience for anyone who would search on this topic. I had an old batch that I had used just once or twice around 2 to 3 years ago. I recently found it lying around and wanted to use it instead of just throwing it away. There was still moisture in it but it did not have the usual dark appearance and was completely red (due to rusting of the GFO). And the granules easily broke into red powdered form when pressed. So, when I fluidize it in reactor, it continuously grinds against each other to release red dust mixture. I ran several gallons of fresh RO Water through it but it never cleared up. Thankfully I didn't run it through my tank system. So, don't use very old opened and leftover batches. I think the granules completely rust over time making them less effective anyway. And then imagine all that red dust in your display tank. Just wanted to share my experience. Not sure about old but unopened boxes though. Hopefully someone can share their experiences here.

09/01/2014, 02:45 PM	#3
ashok sakthivel Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: eaglescliffe, stockton on tees, UK Posts: 38	Thanks Randy, just a doubt. All the other GFO in the market are dry. Does that mean that they have less capacity than rowaphos?

09/02/2014, 01:41 PM	#5
elviraveloz Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 447	I use Rowaphos. I regenerated twice and the color change to a copper color and I keep it wet in same container it comes.