How to reduce phosphates?

[agonzo2008]

So for the longest time ive used the api kit to test my phosphates but I recently bought a hanna phosphate checker and it turns out my phosphates are high. My api showed O, but my hanna checker showed 0.58 . From my knowledge that is high right ? What could I do to bring it down to 0.02-0.04. Thanks in advance!

 

[EmdeReef]

GFO, or an aluminum based phosphate binder.
How big is your tank? Depending on the size may have to start with lanthanum chloride (e.g Phosban liquid) and then use GFO to control.

 

[NewGoby]

Decrease feeding, water changes, and as mentioned above GFO / phosphate binders. I've used rowaphos aswell as iron based phosphate removers with great effect

 

[agonzo2008]

I have a 75 gallon Reef with a 20 gallon long sump. Ill look into those products. Thanks !

 

[piranhaman00]

If theres nothing wrong in your tank ie algae, dont mess with it, its high but not outrageous.

 

[mbmax]

You should test a few times before making any changes .
There are ways to reduce it :
- don't use dry food
- Feed less
- rinse the frozen food before use
- use reduction media like GFO or phosban

 

[NewGoby]

If theres nothing wrong in your tank ie algae, dont mess with it, its high but not outrageous.

It may not be dangerous or whatever, but high phosphate levels will decrease colouration & growth speed of certain corals - for example some species of SPS (if not all species of SPS).. and letting it get even higher will make it more difficult to get under control (Speaking from experience)

 

[piranhaman00]

It may not be dangerous or whatever, but high phosphate levels will decrease colouration & growth speed of certain corals - for example some species of SPS (if not all species of SPS).. and letting it get even higher will make it more difficult to get under control (Speaking from experience)

Thats true, but I am saying if its been stable at .5 for a while, more harm could come from trying to quickly lower it.

 

[AZMSGT]

You can slowly reduce it with a GFO reactor. Just run it for say an hour initially for a day. Take a measurement the next day double it to two hours. And so on till it starts to lower slowly.
This is basically what I did when my PO4 was .30. Now I’m steady at .02

 

[Petmalu Life]

What's the best GFO you would recommend using?

 

[Justanano]

@Flippers4pups