Phosphates-Different ways 2 control them?

[gilbertjanke]

Hello, i have recently been adding a ferric hydroxide based phosphate remover to my filter. But its more expensive that i really would like. What other options if any are there?

Ive read/heard about using Cheato-morph algea in a refugium to control them as well. If this is a decent method, i was considering using a hob as a refugium with cheato. If so, would it matter that the hob was black and wouldnt let light in from the sides? It would at least get light from the top.

Also my protein skimmer is just about done breaking in and i assume that it too will pull phosphates from the water too. Is this correct? Is a skimmer alone efficient at phosphate removal, or remove it at all?

Im just wondering what other methods i can use w/o having to buy commercial phosphate removal chems every month. Any other non brand name sources, or ideas with fuge/skimmer/etc?

Any ideas and input is greatly appreciated!

[missionsix66]

Originally Posted by gilbertjanke

Hello, i have recently been adding a ferric hydroxide based phosphate remover to my filter. But its more expensive that i really would like. What other options if any are there?

Ive read/heard about using Cheato-morph algea in a refugium to control them as well. If this is a decent method, i was considering using a hob as a refugium with cheato. If so, would it matter that the hob was black and wouldnt let light in from the sides? It would at least get light from the top.
This would be a great addition to any tank.
Also my protein skimmer is just about done breaking in and i assume that it too will pull phosphates from the water too. Is this correct? Is a skimmer alone efficient at phosphate removal, or remove it at all?
I could be wrong, but, I don't think they help with phos.
Im just wondering what other methods i can use w/o having to buy commercial phosphate removal chems every month. Any other non brand name sources, or ideas with fuge/skimmer/etc?

Any ideas and input is greatly appreciated!

RO water(very important and good for longevity of healthy tank)
Good salt mix
Good food.
Are you still cycling tank? If so, how long into cycle?
What are your parameters? How high is phos.?

[glassbox-design]

A skimmer will remove particle matter before it breaks down into po4, and a very important piece of equipment.

GFO, Chaeto, Carbon Dosing are the most popular methods of po4 removal/export. If you are looking to save money, bulkreefsupply carry bulk GFO at reasonable prices.

There are also chemical binders, but I do not care for them and they are not for everyday usage (IMO).

FWIW, Chaeto will also remove nitrates.

[gilbertjanke]

I use RO water and RO/DI water actually. Depending on which store i get it from. I tested and no phos in the water. Also salt mix claims to have no phosphates in it as well. I am not cycling the tank. I actually obtained it from a guy who was getting out of the hobby, and moved it to my house almost a month ago or so. The tank had supposedly been up and running 3 yrs before i got it, but he had it overstocked imo with 7 fish, and alot of crabs, stars, urchins, shrimps, etc. I got rid of almost all the livestock except a handful of crabs. I have also upgraded lighting/filtration/added skimmer etc. Currently Phosphates are between 0.25 and .5 mg/l

ammonia=0
nitrite=0
nitrate=0
PH=8.2
salinity=1.024
temp=78 F
Hope this helps fill in the info