Lowering phosphates

GeoffSLC · Dec 18, 2017

Good afternoon everyone! I have been battling phosphates for over six months now. To my own fault, I wasn't checking it as regularly as I should. When I first noticed the issue, sps was browning, growth was stunted and the overall welfare of the coral was not great. I started testing every parameter I could think of and nailed it. Unfortunately, the phos level got to 0.95! I immediately set up a phosban reactor and stared the treatment. Now, after six months, I still have only reduced it to 0.65. I have not been able to reduce any further even with changing media and doing regular monthly water changes. I need to get them done and I'm out of ideas! Any extra help would be greatly appreciated. Current tank parameters are as follows:
Age: 20 months
Alk: 8.2
Mag: 1420
Calcium: 420
Temp: 77 F

Thanks all

saltyfilmfolks · Dec 18, 2017

Consider phosphate RX. Be aware , you need very very good mechanical filtration for it to work.
You could use the reactor with floss for that in conjunction with a good skimmer.

http://www.melevsreef.com/product/phosphate-rx

GeoffSLC · Dec 19, 2017

thanks for the reply, Salty. What do you mean by very good mechanical filtration? I have a reef octopus skimmer and the reactor. What else do you think i should add during this type of treatment?

TMB · Dec 19, 2017

Lanthanum Chloride is a cheap, easy, and very effective method of removing PO4. If you do some searching you will find a wealth of information on how to safely do this. I believe LC is the active ingredient in phosphate RX as well.

About 2 years ago, due to several "life issues", I let my 400g system go and PO4 got out of control - was 1.5 or higher!

When I finally decided to bring that system back, and deal with all of the issues, I started researching the best ways to remove PO4. Lanthanum Chloride is what I decided on, and am very pleased with the results. It is really easy, but requires some important steps to do it safely. If you decide to go that route, just read up first. HTH

TMB

GeoffSLC · Dec 19, 2017

Just a quick search on lanthanum chloride says that dosing too fast or too concentrated may have an adverse affect on the livestock, primarily Zebrasoma tangs. Is there any proof behind this, or is it simply an anecdotal observation? I have three yellow tangs and a Red Sea sailfin that i would worry about. As far as the RX option, is it less concentrated and therefore, safer?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 19, 2017

There are many good ways to reduce phosphate. I discuss them here:

Phosphate In The Reef Aquarium
https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/?p=3184

TMB · Dec 19, 2017

I cannot tell you the difference of the phosphate RX product, as I have never used it. If done correctly your tangs should not be effected (I have 7 or 8), slow dosing is key - and so is proper filtration of the precipitate.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 19, 2017

GeoffSLC said:
Just a quick search on lanthanum chloride says that dosing too fast or too concentrated may have an adverse affect on the livestock, primarily Zebrasoma tangs. Is there any proof behind this, or is it simply an anecdotal observation? I have three yellow tangs and a Red Sea sailfin that i would worry about. As far as the RX option, is it less concentrated and therefore, safer?

I think "proof" is a hurdle beyond most aquarium products, but the reports of problems are definitely not widespread.

I personally think lanthanum is a good choice when treating rock before setting up a tank, and IMO, may not be the best bet after it is set up unless cost is a big driver.

TMB · Dec 19, 2017

Randy makes a great point here about appropriate methods, cost, and tank volume. My perspective is from a very large system. For smaller systems, others may be a better choice - like water changes or GFO. For the size system I have LC was a good choice for me.

GeoffSLC · Dec 19, 2017

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
There are many good ways to reduce phosphate. I discuss them here:

Phosphate In The Reef Aquarium
https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/?p=3184

This is a great read! I currently have a refugium, a skimmer, a media reactor with PhosGuard (not PhosBan like i mentioned earlier) and a bag of Chemipure. This seems like a lot, but maybe i need to try Kalkwasser or start skimming wetter?

saltyfilmfolks · Dec 19, 2017

GeoffSLC said:
thanks for the reply, Salty. What do you mean by very good mechanical filtration? I have a reef octopus skimmer and the reactor. What else do you think i should add during this type of treatment?

Those should work.
Basically ,
Lanth and the Rx release the Po4 into wc it then has to be removed mechanically.