Coral feeding and rising phosphates -- linked?

[McGene]

I have been trying to be more conscientious about feeding my corals -- usually 2 to 3 times each week. I'm using Reef-Roids and use a spot feeding tube. Of course, some gets into the water column.
Today I tested a few water parameters and noticed my phosphates had risen from 0.2 to 0.6.
Thus, I wonder if adding the coral food is causing the elevation? I could add some additional media -- if that would be a recommended solution.
All the corals look healthy (mostly hammers, torch, Favia, Acan) and the fish don't seem stressed.

Your observations are appreciated.
thanks,
-gene

 

[James M]

Yes they could be linked

 

[JDtimk]

I have been trying to be more conscientious about feeding my corals -- usually 2 to 3 times each week. I'm using Reef-Roids and use a spot feeding tube. Of course, some gets into the water column.
Today I tested a few water parameters and noticed my phosphates had risen from 0.2 to 0.6.
Thus, I wonder if adding the coral food is causing the elevation? I could add some additional media -- if that would be a recommended solution.
All the corals look healthy (mostly hammers, torch, Favia, Acan) and the fish don't seem stressed.

Your observations are appreciated.
thanks,
-gene

If you think that is a possibility i would reduce feeding or stop for a week or two. Everything will be fine without feedings for awhile.

You might consider feeding your LPS mysis instead of reef roids. There is probably a lot more waste in your water column using powdered food than if you just target feed the LPS once a week.

Also is your phosphate .2-.6 or .02-.06?

 

[acer]

No question there is a good possibility feeding corals with those products could increase phosphates.

 

[McGene]

Thanks, guys. I like the idea of feeding mysis vs Reef-Roids from time to time. That will certainly reduce the added nutrients.