Elevated phosphates

[Matthias7]

I just finished my tank swap this weekend (had a 180gallon --center brace broke). The new tank is a marineland 250 DD. The 180 was only set up since July 2014 before the center brace gave out. I used everything from the old tank to get the new one up and running. My phosphates before the move were .04 and now after the move they are just under 1. I use a Hannah meter for testing. Had about 200 gallons of fresh saltwater and about 65 gallons from my old setup. Is this a mini cycle from moving my sand? I have a mr1 reactor I plan on running some GFO in as soon as I can get some shipped. Should I do anything else? Thx for any input

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It could be from moving sand and rock, which can kill organisms and release detritus.

GFO sounds like a good option. :)

 

[Triggreef]

Moving sand is tough. I usually just use new sand when setting up, then wash very well and save the old sand for next time.

 

[Matthias7]

I considered using new sand but the sand I had was only in the previous tank for ~5 months with a pretty light bio load. I sifted as best I could didn't use any of the water from bin where I had to temporarily put the sand while I set up the new tank