Phosphate Levels?

[Xler8n]

Hey everyone,

So i went to my LFS yesterday and tested my Phosphates with their API test kit. It read .25. Is this high? I use RO/DI water and threw a polyfilter in my sump. I was going to place an order with BRS today and get a Carbon reactor but now im thinking i should go with a phosphate reactor instead and leave the carbon for later. What do you guys think?

 

[thewackyreefer]

I would say that's pretty high, I aim to keep mine at .03 or lower.

 

[shred5]

I would say that's pretty high, I aim to keep mine at .03 or lower.

I agree... I like to shoot for .02 ppm of orthophosphate...

Dave Polzin

 

[Xler8n]

Im thinking that my problem is that before this tank was a reef i used tap water treated with prime. Some of my LR and substrate might have absorbed the PO4 from the water? So i should def get the phosphate reactor first and get the carbon when i have some extra cash.

 

[Tab28]

I would test it myself. I use to use API and the results were much different with a better test. I have trouble with the shades of green, blue, whatever. I need the number readout I now have. I just got GFO for BRS a few weeks ago i had a reactor already. I always use carbon and still had phos issues.

 

[Paul_N]

Im thinking that my problem is that before this tank was a reef i used tap water treated with prime. Some of my LR and substrate might have absorbed the PO4 from the water? So i should def get the phosphate reactor first and get the carbon when i have some extra cash.

If your phosphate levels are truly that high then your first priority should be phosphate reactor. I use a Hanna meter and notice that once my levels hit .07 or .09 my sps start browning on me. I keep my levels in the .03-.05 range. I had the same issue when I first started and switched from a FOWLR to a reef and was using tap water. You are going to go through a lot of GFO initially to get your levels down. Your rock and sand will leech phosphates into the water column. When you get the reactor up and running use at least half of the recommended amount of GFO so as not the bring the phosphate levels down too fast. Also switch the GFO out at least once a week at first since it will become exhausted very quickly since your levels are so high.

 

[shred5]

If your phosphate levels are truly that high then your first priority should be phosphate reactor. I use a Hanna meter and notice that once my levels hit .07 or .09 my sps start browning on me. I keep my levels in the .03-.05 range. I had the same issue when I first started and switched from a FOWLR to a reef and was using tap water. You are going to go through a lot of GFO initially to get your levels down. Your rock and sand will leech phosphates into the water column. When you get the reactor up and running use at least half of the recommended amount of GFO so as not the bring the phosphate levels down too fast. Also switch the GFO out at least once a week at first since it will become exhausted very quickly since your levels are so high.

I agree 100 percent on Pauls advise and You should do exactly as he said. . Set up a gfo reactor and start out with a smaller amount and work your way up to remove the phosphate from the aquarium...

Only addition is check your water comming out of your d/i unit. If you have extreemly high phosphate levels in your tap water a R/O unit wont cut it and you may have to add a D/I stage or even 2.

Dave Polzin.

 

[Rem]

I would suggest getting a different phosphate test kit other than the API. The API test chart goes from 0 to 0.25 so it is difficult to distinguish what your exact phosphate levels are.

 

[beaslbob]

I would suggest getting a different phosphate test kit other than the API. The API test chart goes from 0 to 0.25 so it is difficult to distinguish what your exact phosphate levels are.

+1

FWIW I measured 0 phosphates with the salifert phosphate test kit which is much more sensitive as I remember.

IMHO the best way to reduce phosphate is to consume it with macro algae..

 

[Xler8n]

I agree 100 percent on Pauls advise and You should do exactly as he said. . Set up a gfo reactor and start out with a smaller amount and work your way up to remove the phosphate from the aquarium...

Only addition is check your water comming out of your d/i unit. If you have extreemly high phosphate levels in your tap water a R/O unit wont cut it and you may have to add a D/I stage or even 2.

Dave Polzin.

Thanks Paul. The reef has been setup for for the past 3 years and i have been using RO water for the past 2 years. I have dual DI cartridges on my RO unit. I will order the GFO reactor then. Thanks guys

 

[Paul_N]

I agree 100 percent on Pauls advise and You should do exactly as he said. . Set up a gfo reactor and start out with a smaller amount and work your way up to remove the phosphate from the aquarium...

Only addition is check your water comming out of your d/i unit. If you have extreemly high phosphate levels in your tap water a R/O unit wont cut it and you may have to add a D/I stage or even 2.

Dave Polzin.

Good point. I was getting phosphates a few years back and couldn't figure it out and turns out I neglected to change out my DI resin for a while........oops oh: