Low or zero phos high nitrates above 75.

[robinmprn]

I have a 55 gallon tank with a 20 gallon sump 2 clowns, 2 cardinals, a wrasse and a goby. Several clean up crew. My issue is that I have zero or very low phos and high nitrate reading 75 on the Hannah reader I have been vinegar dosing and doing water changes wondering if my issue is actually no phosphates. Any suggestions what I can do to regulate chemistry. Currently running a octo skimmer on the system

 

[Spare time]

Carbon dosing needs some bit of phosphate to work. You can dose phosphate or feed something with a lot of phosphates

 

[robinmprn]

Carbon dosing needs some bit of phosphate to work. You can dose phosphate or feed something with a lot of phosphates

I had read reef roids. But will they increase nitrate as well

 

[Spare time]

I had read reef roids. But will they increase nitrate as well

Yes they will increase both but you could try it to see how much.

 

[00W]

Try some water changes to get nitrates a bit more manageable.
Regular fish food seems to raise phosphate more than nitrate for me anyways so you can try that too.

 

[Jekyl]

Welcome to R2R.

I believe that if phosphate is limited then dosing won't effect nitrate.

Better action would be to complete water changes until you reach desired levels. 30% at a time, 2 times a week.

From there chaeto in the sump can be used to maintain levels.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is inexpensive and easy (and sometimes necessary, IMO) to dose phosphate. I recommend food grade sodium phosphate: