High phosphates

[nick654377]

So recently we just set up a 65 gallon saltwater tank. We do not have a sump so things are getting kind of hard.

Basics on the tank:
Tidal 75 HOB
- Bio sponge
- Polishing Sponge
- Seachem Matrix
- Seachem Phosorb
- Chemipure elite

We have our own RO/DI set up for our own water.

Tank set up was with 3 bag of Live sand, 20 lbs of live rock and 20 lbs of dry rock.

It is only 3 weeks old and we got Hanna checkers to get used to before we start adding corals. Our phosphate readings have been 0.9 flashing so I took 75ml of tank water. Diluted it with 150ml of DI water and got a reading of 0.82. So that means our level is 2.5. I have called hanna and there are no known issues with the HI774 tester after talking with 4 people. I am shocked the internet didnt tell me I was going to loose my leg later today haha.

How can I get this level down without having a beautiful sump?

 

[Rtaylor]

Rocks/sand probably leaching phosphate. It’s normal in a new tank. I wouldn’t worry about it, but if you really want to remove it fast, Kent Phosphate Sponge or Lanthum Chloride will remove it.