Phosphate....

[kiwis]

I've got readings which are very close to
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 0ppm
Ammonia: 0ppm

Then I have
Phosphate: 0.25ppm

I'm using RO/DI water and want to remove this, I was going to add some Phosguard but that also removes Nitrate's etc.

Would it be worse to add Phosguard than it would be to leave the Phosphate levels were they are?

 

[GoVols]

I've got readings which are very close to
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 0ppm
Ammonia: 0ppm

Then I have
Phosphate: 0.25ppm

I'm using RO/DI water and want to remove this, I was going to add some Phosguard but that also removes Nitrate's etc.

Would it be worse to add Phosguard than it would be to leave the Phosphate levels were they are?

I'd leave it be for now and bring up your nitrates.

I'd rather be a tad high on phosphate and nitrate than zeroed out.

When you get your nitrates inline, look into getting a reactor to tumble GFO for phosphates.
Start at a tiny dose of GFO so that you do not shock your reef. You always want to bring things down nice and slow.

 

[Gator0930]

I have no experience with phosguard, but i do know plenty of people who use GFO for phosphates. If your nitrates are at 0 then you will be prohibiting algae growth, so i guess it depends on your goal. I'm sure others will chime in to.

 

[kiwis]

Thank you both, I'm not concerned about phosphate now and my algae are slowly going away after my initial new cycle bloom.

It's more about preparing my tank for Coral in the coming months. Phosphate is not good with Coral health or growth so want it much lower.

 

[GoVols]

Thank you both, I'm not concerned about phosphate now and my algae are slowly going away after my initial new cycle bloom.

It's more about preparing my tank for Coral in the coming months. Phosphate is not good with Coral health or growth so want it much lower.

You can run an GFO reactor, but corals need phosphates and nitrates.

If you run too clean, Dino's can take over your entire reef.

Take it nice a slow....

 

[Waters]

What are you using to test phosphates? Since you say you have .25, I am guessing you are using API? Unless you are using a low range kit (like Hanna) it is really difficult to even know what your levels are truly at.

 

[kiwis]

Yeah API and although not accurate it’s still very high

 

[PatW]

Phosphates should generally be about .03 ppm depending on who you talk to and what the goals are. The only hobby test that is sensitive enough for that level is the Hanna ultra low range.

 

[kiwis]

Phosphates should generally be about .03 ppm depending on who you talk to and what the goals are. The only hobby test that is sensitive enough for that level is the Hanna ultra low range.

So you think Hanna is the only real test kit that can be used then?

 

[PatW]

It is the only one that is sensitive enough to be useful.

 

[Dom]

I've got readings which are very close to
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 0ppm
Ammonia: 0ppm

Then I have
Phosphate: 0.25ppm

I'm using RO/DI water and want to remove this, I was going to add some Phosguard but that also removes Nitrate's etc.

Would it be worse to add Phosguard than it would be to leave the Phosphate levels were they are?

Start by identifying the source of your phosphates. How old is the tank?