Confused about phosphates.

[SamMule]

I had high phosphates and got them down to 0.00 via GFO. Testing with Hannah ULR tester.

Every article I can find mentions ways to reduce phosphates in your tank. However, it is a trace element in salt mixes, right?
Do I need a small amount of phosphate for coral health?

 

[gideon2086]

Yes, most aim for .03-.06.

 

[tehmadreefer]

Yes you do

 

[SR Reefing]

Short answer is YES. Small amount is needed as stated above by other reefer.

 

[SamMule]

Ok. I guess I'll take out the GFO then.
I have a diatom outbreak going on right now too. Will removing GFO make it worse?

 

[SR Reefing]

Ok. I guess I'll take out the GFO then.
I have a diatom outbreak going on right now too. Will removing GFO make it worse?

If I were you I would take GFO out. IMO diatom is less dangerous than having 0 phosphate.

 

[SamMule]

Ok. Thank you.

 

[Wasabi]

I will try to put the gfo on a timer run it for an hr and see how much phosphate it reduced maybe you can dial your phosphate lvl to the range u want.

 

[SamMule]

Update: Pulled the GFO out that evening and changed carbon (was in the same bag)
Tested phosphates next day. .003
Today .001 guess I'll leave it out.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Phosphate less than 0.02 ppm risks dinos and lower begins to starve corals that may not be getting enough organic foods that contain P.

 

[SamMule]

Phosphate less than 0.02 ppm risks dinos and lower begins to starve corals that may not be getting enough organic foods that contain P.

Thanks! I meant 0.03 and 0.01 things definitely seem happier after removing the GFO.
If phosphates stay at 0.01, I guess I'll feed a little more to see if I can get it up.