New laboratory tests confirm:

ROWAphos guarantees the highest purity and binding capacity of any phosphate adsorbent.

Trust the original

Often copied. Never equalled.

New independent laboratory analyses show that many commercially available phosphate adsorbents are made from recycled materials and may be contaminated with problematic substances such as arsenic and heavy metals. Why take the risk? If it’s not in the product, it can’t get into the water.

What’s more, ROWAphos offers the highest binding capacities on the market. This means: ROWAphos removes more phosphate using less material. Put your trust in the original – for maximum safety and minimum running costs.

Your aquarium is a sensitive ecosystem. When it comes to removing phosphate, you shouldn’t compromise.

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Laboratory analysis results, September 2025

As part of new independent laboratory analyses (Eurofins Umwelt Nord GmbH), we have compared five competitors’ products with our own product, ROWAphos. The following laboratory results show significant differences, particularly in the arsenic and phosphate levels.


ARSENIC
Maximum value according to DIN EN 15029: 20 mg/kg, arsenic content in ROWAphos <1; for all five other competitors, the arsenic content is at least four times higher than the maximum value prescribed by the DIN standard. In the case of one competitor, it is even more than ten times the maximum permitted level.

PHOSPHATE
In ROWAphos, phosphate levels are below the limit of detection, at < 60 mg/kg. All five competitors’ products contain clear evidence of phosphate that has already been bound. In one competitor’s product, approximately 30,000 mg/kg of phosphate was even detected in the raw material.

OVERALL ANALYSIS
For a summary, you can see all the test results here.

ROWA Fact Check: 3 facts for crystal-clear water

If water of the highest purity is required, ROWA® is the right choice for you. We have been producing reverse osmosis systems for small, medium, and large water demands since 1987.

Guaranteed ‘virgin’ – the highest purity for sensitive reefs

Whilst some commercially available adsorbent materials may be contaminated with unwanted substances, at ROWAphos we guarantee absolute ‘virgin’ quality. Our material is guaranteed to be new and unused, and is produced in Osnabrück using a complex process to ensure it is chemically pure. The simple principle is this: if it isn’t in there, it definitely can’t be released into your aquarium water.

The secret of crystal-clear water – that’s why ROWAphos is moist

Don’t be surprised if ROWAphos is delivered in a damp state due to the production process – that’s the secret to its performance! This moisture penetrates deep into the pore structure and is known as ‘crystal water’. It ensures that the individual grains are wetted immediately. The result: extremely rapid kinetics and an unrivalled adsorption rate compared to dry substrates.

Technical superiority through proven capability

The larger the internal surface area, the higher the adsorption capacity. Under the microscope, ROWAphos reveals a vast, open-pored sponge-like structure. A single kilogram of ROWAphos has an unimaginable surface area equivalent to 42 football pitches! The phosphate molecules are permanently bound deep within these pores through highly specific chemisorption and cannot be released.

ROWAphos offers the highest binding capacity on the market. This means you remove more phosphate with less material – for maximum safety and minimum operating costs.

The ROWAphos expert tip:

It is best to use ROWAphos in a trickle filter. But be careful: contrary to what the name might suggest, the material should not be swirled around wildly. Allow the water to flow through it slowly – the surface of the filter bed should only ripple very slightly. Think of it more as a slow waltz than a lively salsa! This will maximise the contact time and the adsorption capacity.

Order ROWAphos from our shop