Correcting RO/DI rookie mistake

bigterp77

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So I made a dumb rookie mistake and my RO/DI unit wasnt set up correctly (real embarassing... my RO unit was in backwards). Assuming the DI unit was picking up for a lot of the slack in the beginning but I have some high phosphates (.80). I fixed the RO/DI unit and figured to do a bunch of water changes through the next few weeks to get it down so it doesnt crash. Fish are fine but I obviously have gotten little to no coral growth and browning due to the dirty water, they are obviously struggling. I dont have any algae issues so I thought that tank was fine.
I was going to begin running GFO to help get the phosphates down, but should I be looking at doing anything else? Nitrates are high around 10, should i be looking at using biopellets or just use carbon in the tank to help get the numbers in the tank down? Im assuming if i lower the phosphates without addressing the nitrates that could present a host of other issues. Should I just rely on the waterchanges to get the Phosphates and Nitrates down slowly?
What else should I be concerned about while using well water?

Thanks for your help!!!


Tank Details...
90 G tank with 30 G sump
Refugium
Alk 10.6
PH 8.1
Calcium 440
Magnesium 1400
Tropic Marin Classic salt
Dosing Kalk and CO2 scrubber on skimmer to help raise PH
 

blaxsun

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Nitrates of 10 isn't really a high level. Just stick with your water changes and you'll gradually improve your water quality. You can run GFO or a temporary phosphate remover.
 

Tired

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Water changes to slowly fix the phosphate are probably best and safest. The nitrates are fine.
 

Fish Styx

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As stated, the nitrates are within acceptable range. WC's and GFO to reduce phosphates. I would also be running carbon at this point, as anything could have been introduced to your water column from unfiltered well water.
 

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