Rising PO4 and low Nitrates

[Reaper_Six_Four]

Trying to figure out how to balance my tank’s nutrients.

In the past I had very high PO4 and ok Nitrates. Just in the last 3 weeks my PO4 has been 0.02 and my nitrates about zero (not good for my corals). In an attempt to raise my nitrates, I added a new fish and started feeding reef roids and Reef Enrgy AB+. Now my PO4 has risen to .28 but my nitrates remain low.

running active carbon and protein skimmer in my sump.

Any advice on how to keep PO4 low and nitrates up?

 

[tyro]

Reef roids are notorious for raising phosphates. AB+ not as bad but I think still raises them some. If you don't already look into frozen or fresh food sources. And depending on those some people even pre rinse to cut down on phosphates.

I've heard flake/pellet foods tend to be higher in phosphates and frozen higher in nitrates. I'm sure there are exceptions to that. Maybe someone else will chime in.

 

[Spare time]

Reef roids are notorious for raising phosphates. AB+ not as bad but I think still raises them some. If you don't already look into frozen or fresh food sources. And depending on those some people even pre rinse to cut down on phosphates.

I've heard flake/pellet foods tend to be higher in phosphates and frozen higher in nitrates. I'm sure there are exceptions to that. Maybe someone else will chime in.

Reef energy should primarily increase nitrates if its not consumed.

 

[Spare time]

Aminos are the best food if nitrate is a concern (0 phosphate in aminos). Otherwise, you would want to dose nitrate.

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Throw some GFO in there and try finding the sweet spot of how much food to add

 

[Reaper_Six_Four]

Aminos are the best food if nitrate is a concern (0 phosphate in aminos). Otherwise, you would want to dose nitrate.

Any suggested product in particular?

 

[Spare time]

Any suggested product in particular?

You can keep using reef energy if you'd like. You can also just use a plain amino acid supplement.


As previously mentioned, a pinch of gfo can help correct this too.

 

[GarrettT]

People use nori to raise nitrates. Reef roids for phosphate (I don’t recommend)

Why not just dose directly? Much better than using foods for a number of reasons.

Trisodium Phosphate / 4 Ounce Bottle / 99.9% Pure Food Grade / Fine Crystals / USA https://a.co/d/5wBqzAL

Sodium Nitrate, Reagent Grade (chemically Pure) – 1 lb. Bag https://a.co/d/9PA8pg7

James' Planted Tank - Dosing Calculator

 

[Reaper_Six_Four]

Thanks for the input.

any thoughts on protein skimmer working “too good”? Or if it’s even necessary for me to run it?

 

[GarrettT]

A skimmer can absolutely be too efficient. Even with a low nutrient system, the amount of gunk my skimmer pulls out in a single day is unreal.

How big is your tank? I run mine only because I have a co2 scrubber on it, otherwise no I would not. I have a large tank with a strong return pump and long overflow weir though. You could always run it with the skimmer cup off or discharge open.

 

[Reaper_Six_Four]

A skimmer can absolutely be too efficient. Even with a low nutrient system, the amount of gunk my skimmer pulls out in a single day is unreal.

How big is your tank? I run mine only because I have a co2 scrubber on it, otherwise no I would not. I have a large tank with a strong return pump and long overflow weir though. You could always run it with the skimmer cup off or discharge open.

I have a 30 gallon tank. May be too efficient…..perhaps I should turn it off

 

[Spare time]

Thanks for the input.

any thoughts on protein skimmer working “too good”? Or if it’s even necessary for me to run it?

If I have a skimmer I prefer to keep it on a timer (on at night)

 

[GarrettT]

I would remove carbon before a skimmer. Skimmers help oxygenate the water, especially for a tank of your size, which is why I recommend leaving the discharge open. If you do shut it off, just be sure to have plenty of surface aeration and nothing covering the top of the tank.