Seachem PhosGuard Bagged 100 mL – Phosphate & Silicate Remover
Seachem PhosGuard Bagged 100 mL is a rapid-acting chemical filtration media designed to remove phosphate and silicate from freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Reducing excess phosphate and silicate can help limit nutrients associated with nuisance algae and support clearer aquarium water.
The highly porous, bead-shaped aluminum oxide media allows water to flow around and through the material efficiently. This convenient 100 mL pre-bagged size is ready to place inside a canister filter, hang-on-back filter, media chamber, box filter, sump, or other suitable high-flow filtration area.
Key Features
- Removes Phosphate: Rapidly reduces elevated phosphate levels in freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Removes Silicate: Helps reduce silicate that may contribute to diatom growth
- Pre-Bagged Media: Ready-to-use format eliminates the need for measuring loose media or purchasing a separate filter bag
- Highly Porous Beads: Bead-shaped media promotes efficient water movement through and around the product
- Irreversible Binding: Does not release captured phosphate or silicate back into the aquarium
- Freshwater & Saltwater Use: Suitable for both aquarium types when used according to the manufacturer’s directions
- Compact 100 mL Size: Convenient for smaller aquariums, nano systems, and targeted phosphate control
Product Information
- Brand: Seachem
- Product: PhosGuard Bagged
- Size: 100 mL
- Product Type: Chemical filtration media
- Media Type: Porous aluminum oxide beads
- Removes: Phosphate and silicate
- Aquarium Type: Freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Format: Pre-filled filter bag
Best Used For
- Elevated phosphate levels
- Elevated silicate levels
- Nuisance algae management routines
- Diatom management
- Freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Nano and small aquarium filtration
- Canister and hang-on-back filters
- Sumps and filtration media chambers
- Supplemental chemical filtration
How to Use
PhosGuard may generate heat when it first contacts water. Before placing it in the aquarium, add the PhosGuard bag to approximately twice its volume of freshwater to pre-wet the media. Do not pour water directly onto dry PhosGuard, and do not use saltwater for the initial wetting process.
After pre-wetting, rinse the bag thoroughly with freshwater. Place it in an area where aquarium water flows efficiently through the media, such as a canister filter, media chamber, box filter, hang-on-back filter, sump, or trickle filter.
Do not allow the media to tumble against itself because excessive movement may cause dust. Seachem does not recommend using PhosGuard in a tumbling media reactor.
Dosage Guidelines
- Saltwater Aquariums: Use 85 mL for every 50 gallons
- Freshwater Aquariums: Use 85 mL for every 100 gallons
Follow the directions printed on the package and adjust the amount used according to aquarium volume. Avoid overtreating or rapidly reducing phosphate, particularly in reef aquariums.
Testing & Replacement
Leave PhosGuard in place for approximately four days and then test the aquarium’s phosphate or silicate level. If the targeted level has not decreased to approximately 0.02 mg/L, replace the media with fresh PhosGuard.
If phosphate or silicate remains controlled, the media may remain inside the filter until levels begin to rise again. Product lifespan depends on the aquarium’s starting phosphate or silicate concentration, water volume, feeding habits, livestock load, and maintenance routine.
PhosGuard is not regenerable. Dispose of exhausted media and replace it with fresh product.
Filtration Tips
- Place the bag where water is directed through the media rather than around it
- Pre-wet the media using freshwater before installation
- Rinse thoroughly to remove loose dust
- Test phosphate and silicate regularly
- Use smaller amounts continuously rather than occasionally using excessive amounts
- Avoid allowing the media to tumble inside a reactor
- Replace the media when phosphate or silicate levels begin to rise
- Do not attempt to regenerate exhausted PhosGuard
Important Aquarium Care Note
Phosphate and silicate may enter an aquarium through fish food, tap water, organic waste, substrate, rocks, or insufficient maintenance. PhosGuard can help reduce these nutrients, but the source of elevated levels should also be identified and corrected whenever possible.
Regular water testing, appropriate feeding, water changes, gravel cleaning, proper filtration, and removal of decomposing organic material remain important parts of long-term algae management.
PhosGuard is not recommended for freshwater aquariums that use phosphate-based buffering products because the media may remove the phosphate buffer until it becomes exhausted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Seachem PhosGuard remove?
PhosGuard rapidly removes phosphate and silicate from freshwater and saltwater aquarium water.
Is this PhosGuard already inside a filter bag?
Yes. The 100 mL bagged version arrives pre-filled and ready to pre-wet, rinse, and place inside a suitable filtration compartment.
Can PhosGuard help control algae?
PhosGuard can help reduce phosphate and silicate that may contribute to nuisance algae or diatom growth. It does not replace proper maintenance or correction of the underlying nutrient source.
Can PhosGuard be used in freshwater aquariums?
Yes. It can be used in freshwater aquariums, although Seachem notes that it generally performs better in saltwater. It should not be used in freshwater systems that rely on phosphate-based buffers.
Can PhosGuard be used in reef aquariums?
Yes, when used according to the directions. Avoid overdosing or reducing phosphate too rapidly because sudden changes may stress corals.
Do I need to rinse PhosGuard before use?
Yes. Pre-wet the media by adding it to approximately twice its volume of freshwater, and then rinse it thoroughly before placing it in the filter.
Can I pre-wet PhosGuard with saltwater?
No. Seachem advises using freshwater for the initial wetting because contact between dry PhosGuard and saltwater may generate significant heat.
How long does PhosGuard last?
Its lifespan depends on the aquarium’s phosphate and silicate levels. Test after approximately four days and replace the media when the targeted level remains elevated or begins to rise again.
Can PhosGuard be regenerated?
No. Exhausted PhosGuard should be discarded and replaced with new media.
How is PhosGuard different from PhosBond?
PhosGuard is made from alumina oxide and works rapidly. PhosBond combines granular ferric oxide and alumina oxide, giving it a higher phosphate-binding capacity.
Can PhosGuard be used in a media reactor?
Seachem does not recommend using it in a tumbling reactor because the beads may rub against one another and create dust.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Seachem PhosGuard Bagged 100 mL is a convenient chemical filtration media for reducing phosphate and silicate in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop Seachem filtration media, filter bags, phosphate test kits, canister filters, hang-on-back filters, water-care products, and aquarium maintenance essentials.
Explore More Aquarium Products:
Low stock: 3 left
Couldn't load pickup availability
Explore Related Aquarium Products: