How much phosphate can kill my fish?

Sandroni · Mar 1, 2017

Some of you may know that recently I lost a pair of clownfish a few days ago. I checked my phosphate and it was at .25. I am curious to know how much phosphate can actually kill my tank? Thanks

reeferfoxx · Mar 1, 2017

AndysReef said:
Some of you may know that recently I lost a pair of clownfish a few days ago. I checked my phosphate and it was at .25. I am curious to know how much phosphate can actually kill my tank? Thanks

How long have you had the clownfish? Have you added any fish recently? Do you quarantine your fish? What are you testing po4 with?

Vaughn17 · Mar 1, 2017

.25 isn't that high. Your fish shouldn't have been directly effected by PO4 being .25.

Sandroni · Mar 1, 2017

reeferfoxx said:
How long have you had the clownfish? Have you added any fish recently? Do you quarantine your fish? What are you testing po4 with?

I had them 1 month, I haven't added anything. I did not have a QT but recently just purchased one. I only have API as of now

reeferfoxx · Mar 1, 2017

AndysReef said:
I had them 1 month, I haven't added anything. I did not have a QT but recently just purchased one. I only have API as of now

API test kit doesn't provide an accurate PO4 reading. I suggest the Hanna ULR phosphate checker(the ppb) version. It seems expensive at first, but you'll rarely use it.

As Vaughn17 stated, PO4 levels that high shouldn't hurt the fish.

Were there any strange identifiers before the deaths? Such as spots, dry scales, heavy or protruding gills, fin rot?

Was the tank cycled completely? Did you use dry rock or live rock or dry live rock(dead rock)?

yudruln8 · Mar 1, 2017

I don't think phosphate will kill fish ive had 3ppm in a fish only tank and all fish were fine

Sandroni · Mar 1, 2017

reeferfoxx said:
API test kit doesn't provide an accurate PO4 reading. I suggest the Hanna ULR phosphate checker(the ppb) version. It seems expensive at first, but you'll rarely use it.

As Vaughn17 stated, PO4 levels that high shouldn't hurt the fish.

Were there any strange identifiers before the deaths? Such as spots, dry scales, heavy or protruding gills, fin rot?

Was the tank cycled completely? Did you use dry rock or live rock or dry live rock(dead rock)?

Tank was fully cycled. I used live rock. No signs of disease externally.

reeferfoxx · Mar 1, 2017

AndysReef said:
Tank was fully cycled. I used live rock. No signs of disease externally.

That is good to know. Can you tell us more about your tank and equipment? Any reactors, skimmers, heaters, mechanical or biological filtration etc etc? Have you dosed any additives?

Sandroni · Mar 1, 2017

reeferfoxx said:
That is good to know. Can you tell us more about your tank and equipment? Any reactors, skimmers, heaters, mechanical or biological filtration etc etc? Have you dosed any additives?

I have a neotherm heater (I don't have a skimmer still look for a good one for a biocube) I run chemipure blue, and lots of filter floss I change once a week. I have not tried dosing anything because I am trying to stay as natural as I can unless I really need it

reeferfoxx · Mar 1, 2017

AndysReef said:
I have a neotherm heater (I don't have a skimmer still look for a good one for a biocube) I run chemipure blue, and lots of filter floss I change once a week. I have not tried dosing anything because I am trying to stay as natural as I can unless I really need it

Just a caution, chemipure filter bags can be toxic if left in the tank for too long. My only guess for your fish loss is either that or lack of O2. If it were me, I would ditch the chemipure and look into getting a skimmer. Just having a skimmer can help reduce CO2, stabilize pH and increase O2.

Sandroni · Mar 1, 2017

reeferfoxx said:
Just a caution, chemipure filter bags can be toxic if left in the tank for too long. My only guess for your fish loss is either that or lack of O2. If it were me, I would ditch the chemipure and look into getting a skimmer. Just having a skimmer can help reduce CO2, stabilize pH and increase O2.

Wow I didn't know that, do you know any skimmers that would be good for a biocube 14? (besides the oceanic)

anthonys51 · Mar 1, 2017

for both clownfish to die in same day it has to be a disease, unless water quality was really bad. phosphates as stated above wont kill fish and your nitrates would have to be way over 100 before i would suspect them

Sandroni · Mar 1, 2017

anthonys51 said:
for both clownfish to die in same day it has to be a disease, unless water quality was really bad. phosphates as stated above wont kill fish and your nitrates would have to be way over 100 before i would suspect them

they died 4 days apart, but they died in my QT

Vaughn17 · Mar 1, 2017

Velvet perhaps?

anthonys51 · Mar 1, 2017

its really hard to guess what killed these clowns. but it wasnt the chemipure, its not like if you leave it a week longer it will kill your fish. also i wouldnt use things like chemipure, there bandaids for good husbandry

anthonys51 · Mar 1, 2017

Did you notice anything on the fish. Did they stop eating before they died. Did the gasp for air at the surface

wkscott · Mar 1, 2017

AndysReef said:
Some of you may know that recently I lost a pair of clownfish a few days ago. I checked my phosphate and it was at .25. I am curious to know how much phosphate can actually kill my tank? Thanks

My phosphate has been up to 80ppt and my fish and corals showed no sign of harm.