High phosphates Argh!

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by jdameli1, Jul 21, 2011.

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  1. jdameli1

    jdameli1 Torch Coral

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    Tested water today to find my phosphates at 2.0

    Im thinking its because I added a yellow tang and have been feeding a bit more since my yellow and sailfin have been fighting.

    Everything looks fine, and I have no algae or any issues yet.

    Whats the best way to deal with this phosphate remover or just water changes?

    I just got a new skimmer also and it seems im going through a small diatom bloom could this contribute to the phosphate. All other params are perfect.
     
    jdameli1, Jul 21, 2011
    jdameli1, Jul 21, 2011
    #1

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  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    I would use phosphate remover.

    The new skimmer should not contribute phosphates.
     
    2in10, Jul 21, 2011
    2in10, Jul 21, 2011
    #2
  3. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    GFO and a TLF Phosban Reactor.
     
    AZDesertRat, Jul 21, 2011
    AZDesertRat, Jul 21, 2011
    #3
  4. Reefing Madness

    Reefing Madness Skunk Shrimp

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    ^+1 .
     
    Reefing Madness, Jul 21, 2011
    Reefing Madness, Jul 21, 2011
    #4
  5. Atticus818

    Atticus818 Eyelash Blennie

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    Vacuuming your sand also can help, as sometimes PO4 gets trapped.
     
    Atticus818, Jul 21, 2011
    Atticus818, Jul 21, 2011
    #5
  6. jdameli1

    jdameli1 Torch Coral

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    Thanks I'll get some Gfo in there tonight

    I'm just not sure where the phosphates came from all of a sudden

    Guess I'll dial it back with food as well

    The tangs did also kick up a lot of sand with the dominance stuff too so that probably contributed
     
    jdameli1, Jul 21, 2011
    jdameli1, Jul 21, 2011
    #6

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  7. VitalApparatuz

    VitalApparatuz Feather Duster

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    If you have a refugium macro algae works wonders
     
    VitalApparatuz, Jul 21, 2011
    VitalApparatuz, Jul 21, 2011
    #7
  8. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    Foods are the major contributor of phosphates.

    Start very slowly with GFO as it can shock the system. The recommended full dose is 10 grams for every 10 gallons of system water, or about one level tablespoon full. Star with half that or one spoon full for every 20 gallons and change that after a few days then again in another week. Work up to the full does over time if you still have phosphates or do like I do and run a half dose all the time as a preventive measure.
     
    AZDesertRat, Jul 21, 2011
    AZDesertRat, Jul 21, 2011
    #8