Phosphates reading .25 in new almost cycled tank

[Kasey]

My 55 gallon sumpless fowlr is testing spot on for all other parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, copper, alkalinity, pH, and salinity are all stable and in perfect ranges.) However, my phosphates are reading .25 and have not dropped after a 30% water change and the addition of a phosphate removing media pad in the HOB filter. What do you suggest I do next? I’d rather wait a bit to add a media reactor, I just splurged on two OceanRevive Arctic T247 lights!

 

[Nolan Shinn]

Have you checked to see if whatever you’re using to test is out of calibration?

 

[Kasey]

Have you checked to see if whatever you’re using to test is out of calibration?

I haven’t, I’m using an API reagent kit which I know isn’t ideal. The rest of my kits are Salifert, but I’m thinking of just splurging on a Hanna since this is the only parameter I’m really struggling with at the moment.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

How old is the tank? Dry rock or live to start it?

 

[Kasey]

How old is the tank? Dry rock or live to start it?

About 3 weeks old, just completed the cycle. I’ve got 30 pounds dry rock/17 pounds live rock from Gulf Live Rock. 20 pounds dry sand/20 pounds live sand. I also used a small amount of Dr Tims ammonium chloride and nitrifying bacteria to start the cycle testing the main 3 every day and the rest every 3-4 to watch trends

 

[Retro Reefer]

No need to worry about anything but ammonia, nitrite, nitrate in a 3 week old tank.

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

Don’t make any changes just let the tank settle it’s still very new

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

The phosphates could very well be leaching out of the rock.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

The phosphates could very well be leaching out of the rock.

 

[SDK]

What is your water source?