High phosphates

[jdcooper]

Hey,

I have a 25g water box peninsula and over the past few days started seeing a rise in my phosphates. Monday, they went to 0.09, so I completed a water change and got them down to 0.05. I tested each day after with a stable number, but I have now shot up to 0.08. My LFS said to rinse my frozen Mysis, but that’s a pain. I’m wondering if I can cut my feeding in half to lower my phosphates.

I was dosing until two weeks ago as my tank is only 5 months old, and I couldn't keep readable phosphatase but stopped thinking it was stable, but now my numbers are rising.

 

[CoralB]

Rinsing your frozen cubes is ok but your phosphates are fine . I keep mine between 0.05 and 0.10 which is within good parameters .

 

[jdcooper]

Great, thank you. I increased my feeding about a month ago to deal with no nitrates, so maybe ill dial it back and watch how both parameters react.

 

[ReefRusty]

If everything is happy stopchasing numbers. But if you are 0.1 is not going to harm.your corals, some SPS can be sensitive that they can also live with thise numbers

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Phosphates need to be somewhat in balance with nitrates... You said you were trying to raise both, so what is your recent nitrate level?

I agree that if things look happy, don't be too concerned with having a particular number, but do keep an eye on any trends.
Your tank is still new and will probably take a while longer to really stabilize.

Good luck

 

[WWC Verified Sponsor]

consistency is Key, the Corals will let you know if they are upset. How is the other numbers?