Phosphate Spike - Protein Skimmer a possible culprit?

[nixon45]

Hey guys,

I have a super noob question regarding a phosphate spike I just got when testing. When I saw the result I did a quick search and saw someone mention looking at how the protein skimmer is working.

It turns out that my skimmer was not functioning optimally as it wasn't bubbling or frothing up the water at all. I opened it up and gave it a thorough cleaning.

The skimmer is now functioning normally which is good.

My question is whether the skimmer not working fully could cause a spike in Phosphates?

I did a 30% water change the day before yesterday and all of my other parameters are consistent. I am hyper vigilant with testing and I just tested three days ago and everything was fine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Parameters are:

Ph - 8.0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrates - 10.0
Ammonia - 0
Salinity - 1.025
Alkalinity - 8.3 dkh
Temperature - 77.6° F

Phosphates - 1 !!

 

[Dom]

Let the skimmer run and test again in 24 hours. If the number comes down, then you know it was the skimmer. If it doesn't, we will have to investigate further.

 

[nixon45]

I just ran another Phosphate test.

It has come down from 1 to 0.5 in the last 24 hours since the skimmer has been back at 100%. I will keep a close eye on it and keep testing to ensure it keeps getting lower. If it happens to stop decreasing or anything I will post up here again. Thanks!