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Phosphate/pH levels

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SlingingBuddha

Phosphate is at about a 1 & pH is at an 8 I know my pH should be a tad bit hire and phosphate a bit lower. How can I go about this, I'm pretty sure I saw a perfect pH or something of thy nature in my LFS but is there a natural way? Same with the phosphates. Also, how often should I be checking these levels, I've been checking them daily but is it really necessary or can I do everything other, weekly whatever. Thanks for reading
 
Fish Brain

Fish Brain

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I'm guessing you are using an API test kit?

You don't have any fish in your tank yet right? The phosphates are coming from your rocks that where not fully cured before putting them in the tank. After your tank cycles, do a large water change to lower the PO4. Weekly water changes will help lower the levels over time, and when your tank and rock are fully cycled, the rock will stop giving off Phosphates.
 
downbeach

downbeach

Did you get your sump and skimmer on line yet? A good skimmer will go a long way in helping to reduce your unwanted nutrinets, i.e. NO3, PO4. A refugium is another plus. I would also recommend you get some good test kits.
 
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SlingingBuddha

alright cool, im doing a water change Wednesday so hopefully it will lower a bit. i have a HOB refugium which i will reinstall (ive been cleaning my tank so i took it off) to aid the process but downbeach i havent put together a sump yet. i'm still in the researching phase i want to make sure i buy a good product the first time around and build the tank properly
 
active

active

a sump or fuge isnt very hard to build. sure the ones you buy are nice looking, but you can make one from any tank and a few pieces of lexan silicone into place. i have made them from a 20 gal tank all the way up to the one i just made from a 125 gal tank. i have a store bought one under my 125 now that wont be in use much longer once the new system goes on line. if you think you would rather not make one this one might work for you. look into making one and see if you think its something you can do. diy for some things saves money if done properly.
 
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SlingingBuddha

yeah i'm going to make one, i'm fairly confident in myself and my dad can oversee my project and help me out with whatever i need so that i'm not to worried about. i want to get a 30g but the opening in my stand is only 18" on each side so i think i can only do a 20g as i dont think i'll be able to manuver a 30g into the space
 
active

active

i have a 20 sitting here that was a sump you can have it. i dont need it i'll pass it on to you. nothing special, just a simple design.
 
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