Best way to remove phosphates?

[zachtyd]

Hello I want to remove phosphates as they’re very high

 

[Greg P]

What do you consider 'high' ?

Tell us about your tank; corals, fish, filter, skimmer, sump, sand, rock, etc etc ....

What are your tests? Alk, Ca, Mag, NO3, PO4, etc etc

How old is your tank? Did you start with Live rock or Dry rock?

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

I used to use GFO, but have recently in the past couple months switched over Phosphate RX and only dose 1/2 the recommended dose.

 

[zachtyd]

What do you consider 'high' ?

Tell us about your tank; corals, fish, filter, skimmer, sump, sand, rock, etc etc ....

What are your tests? Alk, Ca, Mag, NO3, PO4, etc etc

How old is your tank? Did you start with Live rock or Dry rock?

I test calcium and alkalinity at least 2-3 times a week and the rest I test weekly but I test everything
This tank is my nano/experimental tank it’s a 15 gallon column tank with a hang in back filter, only softies and LPS coral in there with standard hardy nano fish, clowns, a fire fish, two clown gobies, a tiny six line wrasse and a goby shrimp combo
The phosphates are at freaking .3! Not .03 but .3!!
I have live sand and live rock
no skimmer
Everything in the tank is very happy everyday but growing a LOT slower than it used to and there’s GHA in the rocks in some parts

 

[zachtyd]

I used to use GFO, but have recently in the past couple months switched over Phosphate RX and only dose 1/2 the recommended dose.

Awesome I’ll look into that!

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

Depending upon how high your NO3 is .3 PO4 isn't truly terrible. Depending upon what I feed my corals, PO4 sometimes will skyrocket to .50 in a 29 Biocube.

 

[zachtyd]

Depending upon how high your NO3 is .3 PO4 isn't truly terrible. Depending upon what I feed my corals, PO4 sometimes will skyrocket to .50 in a 29 Biocube.

Sorry not .3 I meant 3

 

[Greg P]

What is your NO3 at ?
And again, your Alk Ca and Mag are at what?

You don't necessarily need to lower your PO4. Could just be you need to back off feedings, or something simple.

Get us your answers

 

[Greg P]

Sorry not .3 I meant 3

Holee molee
What test are you using?

 

[zachtyd]

What is your NO3 at ?
And again, your Alk Ca and Mag are at what?

You don't necessarily need to lower your PO4. Could just be you need to back off feedings, or something simple.

Get us your answers

Alk:8.8
Calcium:425
Magnesium:1350
NO3:20ppm
PO4:3

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

Holee molee
What test are you using?

I was wondering the same thing. Didn't think our hobbyist tests went that high.

 

[zachtyd]

Holee molee
What test are you using?

Salifert I need a Hanna maybe it’s lower but I’m pretty sure it’s at least 2

 

[zachtyd]

I was wondering the same thing. Didn't think our hobbyist tests went that high.

Yeah Salifert goes to 3!

 

[Greg P]

Sorry not .3 I meant 3

What tester ??

OK I see your post now

 

[zachtyd]

What tester ??

OK I see your post now

Salifert

 

[fastest302]

I’ve had good success with brightwell phosphate e

 

[zachtyd]

I’ve had good success with brightwell phosphate e

Awesome I’ll check that out as well

 

[Greg P]

Wow, that's quite high

Go with what paja is recommending and start with his idea of a low usage ...
Start on the lower side

 

[zachtyd]

Wow, that's quite high

Go with what paja is recommending and start with his idea of a low usage ...
Start on the lower side

Sounds good I’ll check out all of these products and look at some reviews of them in nanos but I’ll update you guys when it drops hopefully!

 

[Greg P]

So, my whole 'what is going on' series of questions is because;
Low to zero PO4 and NO3 can cause corals to suffer, even to the point of a slow death.
This is mostly evident with SPS, but can also affect LPS with their need for nutrients from the water column and ability to build skeletons.
Just talking out of my butt here ... do as you will

Don't take it the wrong way, just tryin' to inform ya