Phosphates seem way to high!

[blakeu21]

I have a big problem I’m pretty sure. I tested my phosphate multiple times throughout multiple days and it’s been above 0.9 I’m not sure exactly what it’s at since my Hanna checker only goes up to 0.9 so I at least know it’s above that. I tested my rodi water and new saltwater and they were both at 0 or 0.01. The tank is newer or new to me I got it a few months ago and moved it to my place and kept all the old sand and rock I did make sure to try to clean out the sand as best as I could. I am very concerned about my tank and being new to the hobby I’m not sure what to do. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated.

 

[blakeu21]

I have a big problem I’m pretty sure. I tested my phosphate multiple times throughout multiple days and it’s been above 0.9 I’m not sure exactly what it’s at since my Hanna checker only goes up to 0.9 so I at least know it’s above that. I tested my rodi water and new saltwater and they were both at 0 or 0.01. The tank is newer or new to me I got it a few months ago and moved it to my place and kept all the old sand and rock I did make sure to try to clean out the sand as best as I could. I am very concerned about my tank and being new to the hobby I’m not sure what to do. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated.

I have also had one coral die

 

[Spare time]

If you can confirm it with a second test kit, id just add some gfo in a very fine mesh bag and toss it in the filter or filter sock.

 

[blakeu21]

If you can confirm it with a second test kit, id just add some gfo in a very fine mesh bag and toss it in the filter or filter sock.

I have confirmed it with a salifert test kit and from what I saw it was above 1 and near 2

 

[blakeu21]

If you can confirm it with a second test kit, id just add some gfo in a very fine mesh bag and toss it in the filter or filter sock.

I have put seachem phosguard in my filter sock

 

[Spare time]

I have put seachem phosguard in my filter sock

Sounds good. I wouldn't stress too much.

 

[blakeu21]

Sounds good. I wouldn't stress too much.

Ok thanks so much. Also would you still run gfo? If so would you run it in a reactor?

 

[Spare time]

Ok thanks so much. Also would you still run gfo? If so would you run it in a reactor?

I would either run GFO or phosguard. GFO doesn't need to be in a reactor imo.

 

[Teri NewbieReefer]

Phosguard works well. Just be sure not to bottom out the phosphates and end up in dinoflagellate hell. Been there, done that... never want to happen again!

 

[Uncle99]

I have put seachem phosguard in my filter sock

Media in the filter sock can cause the grains to grind potentially releasing some particles into your DT.

 

[MrGisonni]

I like rowaphos. It can be placed in a filter sock and put in a high flow area. Use less than recommended and test.

 

[blakeu21]

Media in the filter sock can cause the grains to grind potentially releasing some particles into your DT.

Thanks I’ll keep that in mind

 

[blakeu21]

I like rowaphos. It can be placed in a filter sock and put in a high flow area. Use less than recommended and test.

I’ll have to look into giving this a try thanks

 

[GiannisK]

I’ll have to look into giving this a try thanks

Any update?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Any update?

If you are asking about GFO, it is among the best ways to reduce phosphate, but a media bag is often a poor way to use it because flow through it is very slow due to the small particle size.

 

[blakeu21]

Any update?

Sorry it’s been a bit busy. The tank is doing much better and phosphate are down and managing a lower levels. I ended up using gfo to achieve this and weekly water changes.