Phosphate pads in a nano mixed reef

[fjpod]

I feel as if previous threads on this subject all address larger tanks with sumps, but i have a 16 gallon Biocube.

With a Sea Chem phosphate test, i can't seem to get it down below .5. even with water changes. My source water is Rodi.

The pads should work, no?

 

[dankaqua]

Are you sure you are getting an accurate phosphate test result?

And did you ever test if your RODI water is as pure as it should be?

It will cost you 50 bucks, but you could run an ICP test and answer both of those questions:

ATI ICP-OES Complete Saltwater Water Test Kit

The above kit let's you test your RODI water and your tank's water.

In any case, a PO4 removal pad or GFO should get it below .5 rather quickly, especially in such a small volume of water.

...if your tank's inhabitants are used to .5 and they are happy, then I would leave it at those levels.

If you want to lower it to (e.g.) .1 and your tank has a good number of inverts, then best to lower it SLOWLY...

 

[fjpod]

Are you sure you are getting an accurate phosphate test result?

And did you ever test if your RODI water is as pure as it should be?

It will cost you 50 bucks, but you could run an ICP test and answer both of those questions:

ATI ICP-OES Complete Saltwater Water Test Kit

The above kit let's you test your RODI water and your tank's water.

In any case, a PO4 removal pad or GFO should get it below .5 rather quickly, especially in such a small volume of water.

...if your tank's inhabitants are used to .5 and they are happy, then I would leave it at those levels.

If you want to lower it to (e.g.) .1 and your tank has a good number of inverts, then best to lower it SLOWLY...

I test my rodi with a TDS meter and it tests 00. My tap water reads 43. I use the Sea Chem phosphate test and it did progressively move down from about 1.5 to .5 when i took measures to reduce phosphates. My fish, snails, small crabs, and corals seem perfectly happy, but my cleaner shrimp just died suddenly for no apparent reason.