Phosphates, UV sterilizer, more...

[jazzmik]

OK a few things...

Normally I do weekly water changes (Red Sea Coral Pro) but was dealing with IRMA this past week so it will be 2 weeks since last change. 20-25 gal changes.

Red Sea Reefer 450 with:
- Jebao 36w UV ... not sure if I have the correct flow going through it or not???
- AquaMaxx biopellet reactor
- GFO (brs high capacity) running in AquaMaxx reactor
- Rox 0.8 in bag
- Oxydator 'A' model

Tested parameters yesterday and had a .25 phosphate reading (granted it was with the API test) all my other tests use either Salifert or Red Sea and Hanna for Alk. Po4 is the only one I don't have a better test for.

How the heck am I getting such a high reading?! :mad::mad:

I've been dealing with brownish sand bad, stirring, vacuuming... guessing it's diatoms but not sure. I need to post a picture of it tonight. The high Po4 may explain it.

I have 2 gyre running on sides and just added a Tunze 6095 but still like flow isn't right along back bottom around the overflow.


Advice???


Also question about the UV... is it negating anything with the biopellets or if I'm adding something like Microbacter7 or AF Pro Bio S?? What about phytoplankton?


thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd just look to increase phosphate export (which the pellets won't do). There are many good ways.

The source is almost certainly foods, which can add the amount you have in a couple of days without adequate export.

This has more:

Phosphate In The Reef Aquarium
https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/?p=3184

 

[jazzmik]

I'd just look to increase phosphate export (which the pellets won't do). There are many good ways.

The source is almost certainly foods, which can add the amount you have in a couple of days without adequate export.

This has more:

Phosphate In The Reef Aquarium
https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/?p=3184

Randy,

To my question about UV negating BioPellets, GFO & carbon I see this in your article:

However, I would not run a UV full time when using organic carbon dosing as I’d prefer the bacteria to remain alive and whole until they are eaten (by sponges, etc.) or skimmed out, rather than die and spill their internal contents prematurely


Currently I have the UV on 24/7, but as noted above I'm not sure if the flow is even correct through it. Should I have it only running, for instance, in the evenings opposite of light cycle?
Is running it 24/7 negating any benefit from my reactors?

thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It's somewhat less of an issue with biopellets, which hopefully gather more of the bacteria on the pellet surface, but I personally wouldn't use one in this circumstance unless there was a strong disease reason to use it.