Phosphate numbers

[Michael v]

I’m trying to get my phosphate levels right. I tested with a Hanna checker. I got 0.46 is that an ok number? My nitrate is 10. I had a Dino out break because my levels got to 0 when I tried bio pellets. I’ve discontinued using pellets. The Dino’s are gone trying to get things balanced.

 

[Mtk1988]

All depends on what type of corals u want to keep all corals need a very minimal amount of phosphate but to much or to little can make corals growth get stunted or even make them die off if u post the type of corals ur keeping or want to keep in the future im sure that someone can help u with where u need to b with specific numbers

 

[cmaxwell39]

If you look at what most people target for their PO4 numbers, .46 is very high. There are plenty of successful reef tanks, even SPS dominate tanks, that run their phosphate that high or even higher. One thing you may notice is that SPS corals may tend to brown out and not have vibrant colors at that level, but there are many other factors that contribute to SPS coloration. If you are running LPS or softies then I don't think you will have any issues with that PO4 level.


What is more important would be how well your feeding habits and export methods are doing at maintaining that level and not allowing it to continue to slowly creep up over time. What are you using to control your nitrate/phosphate??

 

[Michael v]

All depends on what type of corals u want to keep all corals need a very minimal amount of phosphate but to much or to little can make corals growth get stunted or even make them die off if u post the type of corals ur keeping or want to keep in the future im sure that someone can help u with where u need to b with specific numbers

I have only have fish and vertebrates right now but I’m thinking of starting out with torch or frog spawn. I want to get a handle on parameters before I invest in Corals

 

[SifuMemphis]

most people try to keep it around 0.03 ppm - 0.1ppm

 

[DSEKULA]

For me anything above 0.10 and Euphyllia start poofing most other stock seems fine.

 

[Michael v]

If you look at what most people target for their PO4 numbers, .46 is very high. There are plenty of successful reef tanks, even SPS dominate tanks, that run their phosphate that high or even higher. One thing you may notice is that SPS corals may tend to brown out and not have vibrant colors at that level, but there are many other factors that contribute to SPS coloration. If you are running LPS or softies then I don't think you will have any issues with that PO4 level.


What is more important would be how well your feeding habits and export methods are doing at maintaining that level and not allowing it to continue to slowly creep up over time. What are you using to control your nitrate/phosphate??

Thanks I been doseing phosphate E to bring my numbers down.