Been battling phosphates since the beginning. Now in my new main display elos120xl. I am reading around 2.08-2.11. Blows my mind. I am using a ro system. Membrane was changed out this year with the filters. My gfo carbon reactor isn’t running yet. What else could i do. Why am i getting any phosphate readings on this new tank?
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Help with phosphates
- Thread starter Marklugo23
- Start date
How much are you feeding? That why my phosphates were super high at one point
tank is almost a month old. Yes dry rock. 3 live pieces were used also.
No. I used the Hanna checker. Tested twice
Yes as @Mrx7899x said it still could be cycling. This is most likely why you have phosphates.
Did you have problems with your last tank with phosphates? Is it possible that the rock has phosphate buildup that is leeching? I remember my pukani would leech phosphates and no matter what i did, it wouldn't stop.
Here is a excerpt from Randy...
Problems involving phosphorus and subsequent algae growth can be among the most difficult to solve in a reef aquarium, especially if the live rock and sand have been exposed to very high phosphate levels, after which they may be acting as a phosphate reservoir. Fortunately, steps can be taken even in the absence of any algae problem that will benefit reef aquaria in a variety of ways, not the least of which is reduction of phosphate levels. These include skimming and growing macroalgae. All reefkeepers, and especially those designing new systems, should have a clear idea in mind about how they expect phosphorus to be exported from their system. If allowed to find its own way out, it more than likely will result in undesirable microalgae that many reefkeepers are constantly battling.
Did you have problems with your last tank with phosphates? Is it possible that the rock has phosphate buildup that is leeching? I remember my pukani would leech phosphates and no matter what i did, it wouldn't stop.
Here is a excerpt from Randy...
Problems involving phosphorus and subsequent algae growth can be among the most difficult to solve in a reef aquarium, especially if the live rock and sand have been exposed to very high phosphate levels, after which they may be acting as a phosphate reservoir. Fortunately, steps can be taken even in the absence of any algae problem that will benefit reef aquaria in a variety of ways, not the least of which is reduction of phosphate levels. These include skimming and growing macroalgae. All reefkeepers, and especially those designing new systems, should have a clear idea in mind about how they expect phosphorus to be exported from their system. If allowed to find its own way out, it more than likely will result in undesirable microalgae that many reefkeepers are constantly battling.
That number is so high it almost seems impossible.
however. That doesn’t mean it can’t be
First. Your tank is super young and crazy numbers are expected. In time it WILL go down.
Second. Check the labels on what you are feeding. Some foods are simply high on phosphates to begin with. There are low and zero phosphate foods so choose wisely. Also. Everyone thinks they don’t overfeed but just about everyone does. (Including me
).
Third. It takes time get it right and stable. But there is simply nothing better than a refugium full of macro algae to control phosphates. It’s natural and has many other benefits. None the least of is giving a place for copapods and many other things to prosper. Which will give your tank a large supply of live food allowing you to feed less processed food which of coarse had phosphates
Curious. What’s your nitrate levels. And how many fish do you have
however. That doesn’t mean it can’t be
First. Your tank is super young and crazy numbers are expected. In time it WILL go down.
Second. Check the labels on what you are feeding. Some foods are simply high on phosphates to begin with. There are low and zero phosphate foods so choose wisely. Also. Everyone thinks they don’t overfeed but just about everyone does. (Including me
).Third. It takes time get it right and stable. But there is simply nothing better than a refugium full of macro algae to control phosphates. It’s natural and has many other benefits. None the least of is giving a place for copapods and many other things to prosper. Which will give your tank a large supply of live food allowing you to feed less processed food which of coarse had phosphates
Curious. What’s your nitrate levels. And how many fish do you have