New tank high po4

Qasim · May 4, 2020

hello all,

Hope everyone is safe and in good health. I have started my new tank on 21st of January 2020 my tank cycled with Microbacter start XLM it was a magic tank cycled in as little as 10 days. My PO4 is a little high between 0.25 and 0.5 the tank is a 400 liter custom tank and I doo weekly 70 liters of water change at 1026 sg. Tank temp is around 26 degree celcius I run carbon with mechanical filtration only. What shall I do to reduce the phosphate to the desired level? Any suggestions and help is highly appreciated.

Here is my tank parameters:
calcium 465
kh 6.5,
nitrate 10,
po4 0.25 to 0.5,
mag 1410

Photos below show my PO4 test I just did and the additives I have but never used on the new tank.

_highland_ · May 4, 2020

That's quite the selection box!

I mean .25 is not horrible and plenty of nice tanks seem to maintain these level.

I use NoPoX personally and while great if correctly dosed seems to have more effect on nitrates, either of the phosphate products would lower as required if the instructions are followed. Any of these products can likely bottom out your nutrient levels, always start with a dose way lower than recommended, test regularly and adjust as required.

I use a little GFO in addition to NoPoX to maintain levels where i would likk them.

NS Mike D · May 4, 2020

Alk is very very low. Can you confirm that is a correct reading at 6.5 dkh. I usually see alk at 7-8 in ULN (ultra low nutrientT sps tanks.

Test the alk in your next batch of water before you do the change.

Bio pellets and NOPOX are both forms of carbon dosing. Read up on that before before you start either. If you do decide to carbon dose, start slowly with the NOPOX and keep a close eye that you don't bottom out the nutrients (which can cause big problems).

Phos guard is probable the best option, watch out as well as it can take PO4 very fast. Also, I think it can leach back PO4 when done so keep testing to determine time to replace.

Qasim · May 4, 2020

I have used nopox before and dosed 2.5 liters in a period of 3 years before starting this new tank but I didnt see effect as there were imbalance of Nitrate and Phosphate. Iam just doing my weekly wqter changes with 0 and 1 TDS water. Since my older tank had 1024 sg I started with 1024 and increased slowly to 1025 now I prepare my weekly waters as of last week with 1026 and aiming to keep it at 1026 as the water chemistry is right at that level in terms of Mag Cal and KH. When I tested fresh saltmix at 1026 kh is reqding 7.8-8

What do you suggest as a long term solution since phos guard is used for rapid reduction? I have reduced my feeding further. I feed my tank once a day and light come on at 17:00 and go off at 23:50 the room is dark during day time. Since I work daytime I want enjoy my tank in the evenings.

lapin · May 4, 2020

Go with a small reactor and GFO.
Put the GFO in a mesh bag and rinse before putting the bag in the reactor. WIll make changing out your GFO a breeze

Qasim · May 4, 2020

Is af phosphate minus a GFO product? If I use it, how long shall I need to wait ubtil I see the effect usually?

lapin · May 4, 2020

Sounds like a fancy boxed GFO ( iron oxide)

"Shortly after placing in a filtration system, the product may slightly colour water. Although, Phosphate Minus should not be rinsed before use, brown dust is an active phosphate remover and is completely harmless for the aquatic life. Brown colouration of water will disappear after a short time. Rinsing the product in a RODI water will lower its efficiency."

If it is Iron oxide you should see results in 1 day. Then over 2 or 3 weeks it will use up its ability to absorb anymore.

Qasim · May 7, 2020

Hi,

Is this good tumble for GFO i have made my own reactor from equipment laying qround at home

Uncle99 · May 7, 2020

I would do nothing at all, it’s a new tank, let it mature and let’s see where PO4 levels out at in the next few months of maturing.
I would bring that alk upwards into the 8-8.5 range.
Seek stability in each parameter as your tank matures.