Phosphate

[Jt18]

Having an issue with very high phosphates in a 10 gallon tank. How can I lower them? I just added chemi pure last night not sure how long before I see results

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Water changes will help immediately as long as your water has low phosphates to start. You could also feed less.

What do you consider "high"?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Also, I'm not sure Chemipure will remove phosphate. You could try a phosphate binder like lanthanum chloride.

 

[UCF Alum]

@Jt18
Define high and what type of coral do you have ?
Also, what are your nitrates?

Chemipure Eilte will remove some phosphate as it has GFO in it. I would not count on that as my primary source for phosphate removal though

 

[Jt18]

Had a very bad cycle process and the phosphates were at a 2 as of Friday

 

[UCF Alum]

Had a very bad cycle process and the phosphates were at a 2 as of Friday

How did you start the cycle?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Had a very bad cycle process and the phosphates were at a 2 as of Friday

I'd do a 50% water change if there are no nitrites or ammonia present.

 

[Jt18]

I'd do a 50% water change if there are no nitrites or ammonia present.

There was also some nitrites present I believe. Would it still be okay to do a water change of a high amount?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

There was also some nitrites present I believe. Would it still be okay to do a water change of a high amount?

The phosphates are not bad in and of themselves other than nuisance algae growth. If nitrites are present, the tank cycling process will be prolonged with a water change. Are you just worried about the high phosphates or are you seeing othee issues?

 

[Jt18]

The phosphates are not bad in and of themselves other than nuisance algae growth. If nitrites are present, the tank cycling process will be prolonged with a water change. Are you just worried about the high phosphates or are you seeing othee issues?

I wasn’t having an issue but about a month in which was about two weeks ago the hammer coral would barely open at all and when I got it tested the guy told me phosphates are horrible for hammers

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I wasn’t having an issue but about a month in which was about two weeks ago the hammer coral would barely open at all and when I got it tested the guy told me phosphates are horrible for hammers

Well, I can tell you first hand that no phosphates or nitrates will eventually kill a hammer. I would suspect that ammonia or nitrites are affecting the hammer, not the phosphates.

 

[Jt18]

Well, I can tell you first hand that no phosphates or nitrates will eventually kill a hammer. I would suspect that ammonia or nitrites are affecting the hammer, not the phosphates.

How can I work towards lowering those?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

What water did you use to make the saltwater for the tank?

 

[Jt18]

What water did you use to make the saltwater for the tank?

Instaocean premixed water. I’m sure I will get **** for it but I’m living on a budget

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Instaocean premixed water. I’m sure I will get **** for it but I’m living on a budget

That's probably okay. I was just trying to ensure the phosphates weren't in the water to start with.

Since the system is 10 gallons, a 2-3 gallon water change will get phosphates below 2.

 

[Jt18]

That's probably okay. I was just trying to ensure the phosphates weren't in the water to start with.

Since the system is 10 gallons, a 2-3 gallon water change will get phosphates below 2.

Just did a 1 gallon water change today. I’ll wait a few days and see if the chemi pure helps. If not I’ll start bigger water changes. Thanks for the advice!

 

[rkpetersen]

Why is no one telling you?
Get some GFO and put a small amount in a bag, rinse well, and put it in your filter.
That will bring your phosphates down quickly.
If it doesn't bring it down to acceptable range in a few days, replace with fresh GFO.