Many phosphate removers are iron-based and, over time, iron-based granules can clump together, potentially reducing flow. Iron is also known to be used as a nutrient by micro-organisms, including bacteria associated with disease outbreaks in aquariums. Elimi-Phos is aluminium-based which means its granules do not clump together and will remain porous allowing water to always pass through, and in addition will not promote bacterial growth. In addition to the effective removal of phosphates, Tropic Marin Elimi-Phos takes the place of activated charcoal and will improve the general water quality in an aquarium. Phosphates become so strongly bonded to the Elimi-Phos granules that they will never be released, even after the full absorption capacity of the Elimi-Phos is reached.