Triton - Results are in.

[zemuss]

My main issue is the P and PO4 results. I have a few yellow but not really going to chase that.

Here is the file and screen shot.

I cannot upload the full file.

My question is as follows.

1. How should I go about reducing these numbers?
2. What testing equipment test for PO4 accurately?

Note: I am running a ATS and thought this would be enough to eliminate a phosphate issue. Apparently not?

Suggestions welcome.

I am just trying to get this under control now. I feel bad about killing coral with this problem. Terrible....

 

[Electrobes]

I like my Hanna Checker for checking Phosphate. As for removing it, I recommend using GFO in a reactor.. Or maybe regular water changes (if you aren't doing them).

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The ATS, if properly sized and functioning will help. Is the algae on it growing well? Ever add iron?

There are any ways to reduce phosphate. GFO is one of the better ones.

I discuss such methods here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/phosphate-in-the-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley/

Do you have a pest algae problem?

 

[ASAP-Aquarium]

Hi,

Triton US has a Phosphate removal product that is Aluminum based, it's called TRITON AL99 PO4 PHOSPHATE REMOVER.

Per the Triton US product info:
"Triton AL99 PO4- 1 Liter of Premium Lab Grade Phosphate Removal Media. A very high quality, aluminum-based phosphate remover. It is designed to be as pure as possible to prevent contamination.

AL 99 is very efficient at binding phosphate, but will also bind other contaminants such as Silicate and Barium. The recommended dosage of AL99 is 50ml per 100L tank volume. In aquariums with very high phosphate levels, this can be increased to 100ml per 100L. Batch tested for quality and consistency. As with other parameters, stability is just as important as the actual number itself. We strongly recommend minimizing fluctuations of your phosphate level. If you are using a lab grade product like this for the first time, keep the flow through the reactor VERY LOW and TEST DAILY with a good PO4 Phosphate Test. If the PO4 level starts dropping too quickly, turn off the phosphate media reactor to let the corals acclimate to the lower levels. Once at your desired concentration, adjust the flow to balance the level against your tanks production of phosphate. For best results, alternate between an iron based media like RowaPhos or PhosBan and AL99 on a monthly or bimonthly basis for maximum effectiveness.

Please consult your Triton ICP-OES test results for the specific dosing requirements for your reef system."

If you are unsure how to use this product, contact Triton US on their Facebook page for help. You can find their Facebook Page here:
www.facebook.com/tritonLA

 

[zemuss]

My screen is about 10 inches wide X 12 inches long. i just cleaned the algae off the screen and had about an inch and a half worth of growth on it. It was completely full.

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, this is the reason I cannot keep SPS corals.

 

[zemuss]

Ok so which Test kit should I get ?

I never add IRON should I ? In what dosage for a 60 gallon?

 

[ASAP-Aquarium]

Hi,

You already have performed the initial "benchmark" Triton test and received the results, so you do not need to do another Triton test until after you have made adjustments to your tank after a while (please check with Triton US as to the recommended amount of time before performing another Triton test).

For regular testing, I prefer the Hanna checker. (DISCLOSURE: ASAP-Aquarium does not sell the Hanna checker).

Regarding dosing of Iron, I'll defer to RHF to follow up on the answer from his suggestion.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Hanna Checker for Phosphates

and GFO from BRS (regular) should fix your issue. I went with High Capacity though.

 

[zemuss]

I checked on the Triton-US website and it doesn't tell me when I should send in another test. I will check with them.

 

[zemuss]

Thank you again for that information. I am going to start with Rowa and buy the hannah checker asap.

 

[ASAP-Aquarium]

Rowa is good stuff!

Glad to help out!

 

[zemuss]

@Randy Holmes-Farley how much iron should I dose for the algae? maybe 1 mil a week?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thank you again for that information. I am going to start with Rowa and buy the hannah checker asap.

That sounds like a good plan. ear in mind that the GFO may be depleted in only a few days at that level.

Were you going to use it in a reactor? If so, you can track the inlet and outlet for phosphate with the checker if you want to know when it is depleting.

 

[zemuss]

Yes I will be using the media reactor I have running.

I am also going to vacuum the sump and remove any garbage tonight. I leave Saturday for a week and need to get this done asap.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

@Randy Holmes-Farley how much iron should I dose for the algae? maybe 1 mil a week?

It doesn't take much.

I recommend a DIY using Fergon tablets from the drug store.

Dissolve 1 tablet in about 20 mL of fresh water (by soaking it overnight and shaking for a few seconds, then let it settle and use the clear liquid).

I'd add about 0.5 mL once or twice a week and see if that helps the ATS grow faster.

 

[zemuss]

Ok cool.. Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome.

Good luck.

 

[KDawg0623]

I have a phosphate problem as well. So I appreciate this advice also

 

[tonkaoz]

how long does it take to notice the phosphate level go down ? i bought a next level mr1 a week ago and filled it with gfo and tested yesterday with a hanna ul phosphate checker and it was 200 which is as high as it will read .

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The water exiting the reactor will have low phosphate, but how long that takes to drop the tank level depends on the flow through it, and whether the GFo gets depleted (which it will fast when phosphate is high).

Did you try the checker on some new salt water to make sure it is working right?