A question to all reefers!

[twilliard]

Simple question...

How is po4 (phosphates) introduced to a tank and how do you remove it.

@Russ265 this is for you and your followers.

 

[Russ265]

Simple question...

How is po4 (phosphates) introduced to a tank and how do you remove it.

@Russ265 this is for you and your followers.

no followers here!
po4 is generally introduced ime from food. however biological processes in a substrate that is prone to stagnation will also produce it. such as crushed coral.

 

[chefjpaul]

I remove it with a straw.
Or
Probiotics & skimming via balance with NO3.

Introduced via what Russ265 said.

 

[twilliard]

Food IMO is the number one source for po4

Thanks!

 

[soggytees Verified Sponsor]

Food IMO is the number one source for po4

Thanks!

Agreed.

 

[Russ265]

well... ive seen some guys have nightmare po4 and nitrate issues with a "dead" substrate. sure. food is introduced but ive seen some astronomical numbers when neglect come to play.

we can assume we add food and it bumps phosphate. but biological processes i would not disregard depending on the tank size

 

[NanaReefer]

Food being #1. For removal I use PhosGuard in a reactor. I'm sure my chaeto helps some also.

 

[trido]

I introduce it with food and AFAIK I remove it with WC's and removal of feather calurpa when I harvest it.

 

[Renayyye]

How do I post ? Lol I'm new to this

 

[Russ265]

How do I post ? Lol I'm new to this

welcome!

 

[chefjpaul]

well... ive seen some guys have nightmare po4 and nitrate issues with a "dead" substrate. sure. food is introduced but ive seen some astronomical numbers when neglect come to play.

we can assume we add food and it bumps phosphate. but biological processes i would not disregard depending on the tank size

Agree as well.
Tank husbandry is a major key.
Cleanliness is po4-less

 

[twilliard]

How do I post ? Lol I'm new to this

Welcome to R2R!
The greatest place for information and friendly people

 

[twilliard]

Now from my experience po4 is not taken as readily as no3 when it comes to macro algeas

 

[Russ265]

Now from my experience po4 is not taken as readily as no3 when it comes to macro algeas

/me hands @twilliard a card with a ratio number on the back.

guess it.... lol

 

[twilliard]

/me hands @twilliard a card with a ratio number on the back.

guess it.... lol

If there is one thing I have learned over the years i spent as an electrician is to never guess... it kills

 

[Greenstreet.1]

Introduced : for me it's feedings more of an increase with flake food and algae sheets.

Removal : 5g water change every Sunday also run rowa

 

[twilliard]

I havent seen many removal methods!

 

[twilliard]

How about skimming before it can break down to po4??

 

[Greenstreet.1]

I also run Bp but don't think it works on my po4 at all. My skimmer also help but very little it hits the no3 harder than the po4

 

[brownsalt92]

Following