What phosphate level should I shoot for when dosing?

[BantyRooster97]

So, I did some really bone head things over the last month that cost me quite a few corals & frags (added rocks & gravel from old tanks = they were loaded with phosphate) & a lot of $$$$.

Anyway, by process of elimination I think I have removed all the bad stuff from the tank & my phosphate is finally dropping down to what I hope is (or will be) a reasonable level.

So, for those that dose phosphate, what level do you shoot for?

My #s
ALK - 7.8
Cal - 420
Mag - 1280
NO3 - 2.5 - 5 (I dose to keep the number between these 2 on Salifert test)
PO4 - .07 (is this too high or should I allow it drop further & then dose to keep it at "X"??)

thx

 

[29bonsaireef]

I don't dose for phosphates, but like to keep mine between .01-.03. Anything higher and some of the colors start to blur together. Nutrient levels are sort of reflective to your lighting IMO. For different light sources and intensity I might go a little higher or lower on PO4/No3

 

[BantyRooster97]

I currently run 3 RapidLED fixtures & the Aquatic Life T5 Hybrid (only 1 side right now as I acclimate the corals).

 

[jda]

.0X is good. I am usually near .01, but if it got up to .09, I would not freak out.

If you have sand or rock, then you likely have a large reservoir of phosphate that is bound to the aragonite. If you were to dose, the vast majority will get bound and your reservoir will increase. If your inhabitants use some up, then the aragonite will unbind some more - it keeps an "equilibrium" with the tank water.

At .07, I would not do anything.

 

[Surfzone]

I have PO4 that naturally stays at .08 and that's with running GFO and NO3 at 4.0 running bio pellets ( I feed a lot. It keeps my angel happy and away from my micromusas). I would be happy with the levels that you are currently have. I'm also running the Aquatic Life Hybred fixture with a radion g4. Honestly I think you are doing fine with your current levels. You have your Mg lower than mine but each tank & aquarist is different.

 

[BantyRooster97]

Thank you both for the replies!

 

[Brien]

Your numbers are fine, don't worry about it. If you're really concerned do an extra water change.

 

[BantyRooster97]

I was at .25 a month ago when I started to notice my montis & 2 corals dies overnight... that's when I discovered the problems. Now I am phosphate gun shy!

I've been around
.07 for a week now, I was just wondering if it starts to drop further, should I let it or does it back up.

I think JDA answered that for me.