EXTREMELY High Phosphate Mystery...

[CallMeJus]

I’ve been battling Phosphates in my tank (haven’t we all at one point or another?) for a few months now. Last month my Hanna checker read 2.49. I did a 25% water change and 3 10% water changes over three weeks. Just did another 25% water change the other day, put a new dosage of Phosban in the reactor, and started dosing No3PO4X. Read 1.92 today. And over 1 on the Red Sea test kit.

There is ZERO algae in my display tank, and all the Coral and other livestock are doing great (aside from SPS). I run a fuge with Chaeto and Miracle Mud, lit by an H80. I used to only light it after the display lights go out but I started lighting it 24 hrs and 100% in hopes of kickstarting more Chaeto growth.

I use my own RODI water for ATO (0 TDS) but I use Saltwater from the LFS because I haven’t started making my own (just bought some Fritz blue box though)...What gives?!

Mixed Reef, LPS dominated
- 44gal AquaJapan w/ 10(?)gal Sump
- Chaeto w/ Miracle Mud lit by H80
- feed Rod’s Food, and Reef Roids
- Dose BRS 2-part manually
- dose Polyplab Polypbooster weekly x2
- Brightwell Aminos

Cal 420
Alk 8.6
Mag 1320

 

[Webslinger]

how long since you changed out the RODI filters

 

[fish farmer]

How old is your tank? Did the readings creep up over time? Did you do anything different like feed more, etc.?

 

[Crustaceon]

What are your nitrates at?

 

[CallMeJus]

how long since you changed out the RODI filters

it’s basically new, about 3 months old.

How old is your tank? Did the readings creep up over time? Did you do anything different like feed more, etc.?

Tank is two years old. Phosphate has been high but have gotten higher over time.

What are your nitrates at?

around 5ppm or less

 

[Webslinger]

Rocks leeching?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’ve been battling Phosphates in my tank (haven’t we all at one point or another?) for a few months now. Last month my Hanna checker read 2.49. I did a 25% water change and 3 10% water changes over three weeks. Just did another 25% water change the other day, put a new dosage of Phosban in the reactor, and started dosing No3PO4X. Read 1.92 today. And over 1 on the Red Sea test kit.

There is ZERO algae in my display tank, and all the Coral and other livestock are doing great (aside from SPS). I run a fuge with Chaeto and Miracle Mud, lit by an H80. I used to only light it after the display lights go out but I started lighting it 24 hrs and 100% in hopes of kickstarting more Chaeto growth.

I use my own RODI water for ATO (0 TDS) but I use Saltwater from the LFS because I haven’t started making my own (just bought some Fritz blue box though)...What gives?!

Mixed Reef, LPS dominated
- 44gal AquaJapan w/ 10(?)gal Sump
- Chaeto w/ Miracle Mud lit by H80
- feed Rod’s Food, and Reef Roids
- Dose BRS 2-part manually
- dose Polyplab Polypbooster weekly x2
- Brightwell Aminos

Cal 420
Alk 8.6
Mag 1320

Water changes are a very poor way to deal with elevated phosphate (unlike nitrate) due to the large amount likely bound to rock and sand. Even a 100% water change may not drop it all that much.