So where is exactly should my Phosphate be?

Bombschell

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Went to a new coral and fish store in my area super nice guys (more on that in a different post later) we were talking and they asked what my Phosphate level was. I don't know was my answer because I haven't been testing for that. What have had is algae that is thinning out but can't quite get rid of. I bought a Hannah tester from them and tested when we got home I got a reading of .05. Is this high, low, or ok and what should I do about it?
 
Do nothing that is not far off of fresh salt mixes. Let it balance out then get some clean up crew.
 
Went to a new coral and fish store in my area super nice guys (more on that in a different post later) we were talking and they asked what my Phosphate level was. I don't know was my answer because I haven't been testing for that. What have had is algae that is thinning out but can't quite get rid of. I bought a Hannah tester from them and tested when we got home I got a reading of .05. Is this high, low, or ok and what should I do about it?
.05 is about perfect. Are you using RODI water with zero TDS?

Skimming?

Filtration?
 
.05 is about perfect. Are you using RODI water with zero TDS?

Skimming?

Filtration?
I use bottled rodi water as I don't have an unit myself. I stopped skimming after the diatoms cleared up, but other stuff cropped up. I have and EVO 13.5 with the stock filtration for now, I did add a big bag of media to the chamber 1 when I removed the skimmer. Upgrade to filtration is probably the next project though. I did go with the pound of rock per gallon and some supposed "live" sand when we set it up
 
< .04
 
Honestly the hole chasing phosphate numbers is kind of bolognea. I wouldn't let it go much over .14ppm. Its all about balance not numbers.
 
Trying to get that flipping powder out of the packet and into that vial is a real pain! Guess I need a funnel
I know this problem heh. Try to make the packet the funnel in a way. Give it some gentle taps to get it out of the corner.
 
I use bottled rodi water as I don't have an unit myself. I stopped skimming after the diatoms cleared up, but other stuff cropped up. I have and EVO 13.5 with the stock filtration for now, I did add a big bag of media to the chamber 1 when I removed the skimmer. Upgrade to filtration is probably the next project though. I did go with the pound of rock per gallon and some supposed "live" sand when we set it up
 
.03 mg/l to .5 mg/l. Keep in mind we're only testing for Dissolved Inorganic Phosphate with our tests and can't test for dissolved organic forms or for particulate forms. Also keep in mind cryptic sponges which you will invariably end up having to some extent are messing with phosphorus also. Here's some links you might find informative:

Phosphorus metabolism of reef organisms with algal symbionts

Here's fig 4 from the above paper:

DIP DOP POP.jpg


Effects of phosphate on growth and skeletal density in the scleractinian coral Acropora muricata: A controlled experimental approach (Fastest growth was at .5 mg/l)

High phosphate uptake requirements of the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata

Sponge symbionts and the marine P cycle

Phosphorus sequestration in the form of polyphosphate by microbial symbionts in marine sponges

hosphate Deficiency:
Nutrient enrichment can increase the susceptibility of reef corals to bleaching:

Ultrastructural Biomarkers in Symbiotic Algae Reflect the Availability of Dissolved Inorganic Nutrients and Particulate Food to the Reef Coral Holobiont:

Phosphate deficiency promotes coral bleaching and is reflected by the ultrastructure of symbiotic dinoflagellates

BActeria and Sponges

Maintenance of Coral Reef Health (refferences at the end)

Richard Ross What's up with phosphate"
 

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