Phosphate help.

[vinnyvin]

Hi all. Just wondering I have a couple small patches of hair algea.

I have tested for phosphates and they seem low, below 0.05. I have then taken a sample of water to be tested at the lfs & they have said their is a trace of phosphate but nothing to be concerned about.

My corals are all softies and are multiplying, not fast but their is steady growth.

I am using a phosphate remover and have cheato. I was dosing with no pox but my tank was looking cloudy so I decided not to use it any more because I have read you can dose to much and this was the effect. How true this is I don't know.

Is their any other indications to phosphate like a Redish purple growth on rocks?

I know phosphate can be rapidly consumed so when you test it shows a low reading. However bare in mind I don't have a massive outbreak of hair algea. Its literally a couple small patches.

How do I stop this before it comes a major problem ?

Thanks in advance!

 

[vinnyvin]

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

How do I stop this before it comes a major problem ?

tooth brush and siphon.

please dont fall victim to the Po scare. it doesnt Cause cyano or algae.

I know phosphate can be rapidly consumed so when you test it shows a low reading.

not true.

is that cyano?

My Po almost hit 1.o. I didnt get cyano.

 

[vinnyvin]

tooth brush and siphon.

please dont fall victim to the Po scare. it doesnt Cause cyano or algae.


not true.

is that cyano?

My Po almost hit 1.o. I didnt get cyano.

Right ok. See these are all things I have read on the Internet. Maybe iv got line crossed when reading up on stuff regarding Po rapidly consuming

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Right ok. See these are all things I have read on the Internet. Maybe iv got line crossed when reading up on stuff regarding Po rapidly consuming

no sweat. Theres Lots of Talk.

 

[vinnyvin]

I don't think it's Cyno it is like coraline algea but only a Redish purple I will not go if I rub it.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Your best reading scientific articles for yourself and getting help interpreting them. Many strive for perfect Zeros but in fact NOBODY recommends it

I don't think it's Cyno it is like coraline algea but only a Redish purple I will not go if I rub it.

Excellent!!!!!

how old is the tank?

 

[vinnyvin]

Your best reading scientific articles for yourself and getting help interpreting them. Many strive for perfect Zeros but in fact NOBODY recommends it


Excellent!!!!!

how old is the tank?

My tank has been running around a 18 months

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

One thing on Po.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php


Good Info on chemistry
http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?75999-The-Collected-Work-of-Randy-Holmes-Farley

Thers a lot of research on the subject of available nutrients. And theres Opinion. I think a healthy amount of opinion is good but not if it has no basis in reality or science.
One opinion for a lot of soft corals is slightly higher nutrins seem to make them grow better. Even though they may be at the high end of the "recommendation", keep in mind, its a recommendation.

You need a balance of nutrients in the tank. All tanks are different and Some run high some low, most go through phases.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

My tank has been running around a 18 months

How closely do you watch you No and Po. There does seem to be a bit high in the "green" on the rocks. (like mine somedays)
You calcium and alk ok?

 

[vinnyvin]

Il take a read of them thanks for the info. I have read on 0 readings isn't always a good thing.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Fwiw one of the biggest debates in the last couple months has been exactly your question.
High Po causing algae or cyano. Algae is not caused by, but is fueled by higher Nutrients. And in most cases it can be best to lower nutrients and then kill of the undesired organisms while they're weak.
(thus the low nutrients kills algae myth)
And yea, zero can be bad as your coral will need to eat too. so its a bit of a balancing act.

 

[sa6hir]

I have a mainly sps system and can't seem to get my phosphate blow 0.25. Even using rowaphos. Only 1 coral seems to have lost abit of colour & I have only one small patch or algae.