How to lower phosphate

[Jam]

my phosphate levels are always high I have a 30 gallon tank with only 3 fish lots of crabs and 3 big snails my coals are always struggling how can I lower levels and keep them low?

 

[mitch91175]

What kind of rock did you start with and how old it the tank? Water changes help but you have to identify the source and try to resolve that.

 

[mitch91175]

Here is a good article https://www.thespruce.com/phosphates-in-your-saltwater-aquarium-2924576


Also a lot of info here as well

 

[Jam]

Tank is 2 years old i have tons of brittle star fish, sponges crowing like crazy, but my corals always tank when I put them in my tank and I have always had Coral and never has them struggle like I have in this tank it’s so frustrating.

 

[Jam]

We only add distilled water when we do water changes

 

[Jam]

Here is a good article https://www.thespruce.com/phosphates-in-your-saltwater-aquarium-2924576


Also a lot of info here as well

Thank you super helpful!

 

[NY_Caveman]

I would add this article too by Randy that discusses many methods of removal.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

 

[LetItReef]

How high is your Po4?
My Po4 is on the high level too. I am running GFO in a reactor and carefully monitor it.
Also, research on NOPOX.

 

[Jam]

How high is your Po4?
My Po4 is on the high level too. I am running GFO in a reactor and carefully monitor it.
Also, research on NOPOX.

High like 4.5 almost 5

 

[mitch91175]

High like 4.5 almost 5

Do you really mean that your phosphate is between 4.5 and 5? I thought mine was high at 0.2 (definitely want mine somewhere around 0.05 - 0.01)

I have never seen it that high unless I was starting a tank and cycling live rock. What test kit are you using?

 

[Jam]

My test kid is kind of old, :/ it’s an API

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Here is a good article https://www.thespruce.com/phosphates-in-your-saltwater-aquarium-2924576


Also a lot of info here as well

I’d be careful in taking what they say literally. It seems to claim, for example, that a polyfilter is “highly recommended” in the context of a phosphate discussion. It may be highly recommended to bind metals, but not phosphate from seawater.

 

[Jam]

My test kid is kind of old, :/ it’s an API

Looking at the chart I would say more like 2.5 to 3 that why I am wondering if I should run a skimmer

 

[mitch91175]

I’d be careful in taking what they say literally. It seems to claim, for example, that a polyfilter is “highly recommended” in the context of a phosphate discussion. It may be highly recommended to bind metals, but not phosphate from seawater.

Agree. Just was a quick link. I carbon dose so that is really the path was wanting to send him

 

[Jam]

I’d be careful in taking what they say literally. It seems to claim, for example, that a polyfilter is “highly recommended” in the context of a phosphate discussion. It may be highly recommended to bind metals, but not phosphate from seawater.

So what would you recommend running a skimmer?

 

[mitch91175]

I skim and carbon dose.

 

[Mike Reef Addict]

Here is a good article https://www.thespruce.com/phosphates-in-your-saltwater-aquarium-2924576


Also a lot of info here as well

Love the spruce

 

[WWIII]

I think a skimmer is helpful to remove nutrients, so if you are able to add one I would. I would also get a new test kit so that you have some confidence in where you are with phosphate and can track any progress in lowering it. Hanna ulr phosphorus checker is probably the best hobby level device to track phosphate levels we are interested in maintaining.

There's lots of options to lower phosphate, but good to know where you are starting and track potential solutions success!

 

[Mike Reef Addict]

We only add distilled water when we do water changes

Have you tested the distilled water before adding it? I've seen high phosphates in store bought water. Almost as high as tap both distilled and ro/di water

 

[mitch91175]

If you also can make your own water that way you will have a better understanding of what is actually in it. To me there are a few things that will make you life easier in the hobby, and one is an RO/DI unit. Sure you could find a nice used one with little looking around.