new tank high phosphates

[kramer_reefin]

I just cycled my first reef tank. Nitrates about 15. KH 8.4. Ca 475. Mg 1400. Phosphates 0.80ppm. I checked it 3 times on a hanna checker.
The rock I used I picked up off the marketplace for $1/pound. Its awesome looking rock and I just hit it with a hose and left it outside in the sun for a few days.

If I use GFO, how long will it take to reduce levels? Can I add a hardy coral like GSP while I use GFO? And I have more of this rock that I would like to use in another reef, how can I prep it?

 

[Lavey29]

I wouldn't start using chemicals like GFO in a new tank. Give it time to settle. New rocks leak phosphate for quite awhile. I would also hold off on lights and coral for 4 months to allow your tank to develop biodiversity and microfauna so your upcoming ugly phases will be manageable.

 

[rhostam]

I’m you have some more of this rock that isn’t yet in a tank and you want to prep it for use in another tank that isn’t setup, you can “cook” it. There are tons of recommendations on this and other sites to help you get started.

(cooking does not literally mean cook, btw hehe)