Can't Raise Phosphates

[Opes]

I am struggling to keep any phosphates in my tank. This is causing me some issues with my acros.

It has been hovering around .02 using a Hanna ULR phosphorus checker.

Levels are:
8.4 Alk
425 cal
5 ppm nitrate
1400 mag

150 gallons. Tank has been up for 1.5 years and started with rock from a previous tank.

I run a cal reactor, small fuge opposite of display that barely grows chaeto, skim extremely dry. I barely fill a skimmer cup each month.

I feed heavily. Almost exclusively a mix of frozen foods and nori.

I dose phosphate daily enough to raise the levels .02 using neophos and it seems to be consumed quickly.

I have been keeping reef tanks for 20 years and have never had issues keeping Phos above zero. I don't know what consumes it so quickly??

Any ideas?

 

[G Santana]

I feed my 130 Reef Roids twice a week, this will give you a phosphate reading

 

[dakoop]

Take mine

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Rock and sand can bind an enormous amount when you try to raise it, but if you want it higher than 0.02 ppm, it's certainly fine to dose more. You may find that food grade sodium phosphate from Amazon is cheaper and has a purity assurance that Neophos does not.

 

[Fishingandreefing]

Phosphate is way easier than nitrate. Sump a bunch of pellet food or mysis or come take my rocks.