EXTREMELY High Phosphate Mystery...

CallMeJus

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I’ve been battling Phosphates in my tank (haven’t we all at one point or another?) for a few months now. Last month my Hanna checker read 2.49. I did a 25% water change and 3 10% water changes over three weeks. Just did another 25% water change the other day, put a new dosage of Phosban in the reactor, and started dosing No3PO4X. Read 1.92 today. And over 1 on the Red Sea test kit.

There is ZERO algae in my display tank, and all the Coral and other livestock are doing great (aside from SPS). I run a fuge with Chaeto and Miracle Mud, lit by an H80. I used to only light it after the display lights go out but I started lighting it 24 hrs and 100% in hopes of kickstarting more Chaeto growth.

I use my own RODI water for ATO (0 TDS) but I use Saltwater from the LFS because I haven’t started making my own (just bought some Fritz blue box though)...What gives?!

Mixed Reef, LPS dominated
- 44gal AquaJapan w/ 10(?)gal Sump
- Chaeto w/ Miracle Mud lit by H80
- feed Rod’s Food, and Reef Roids
- Dose BRS 2-part manually
- dose Polyplab Polypbooster weekly x2
- Brightwell Aminos

Cal 420
Alk 8.6
Mag 1320
 
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CallMeJus

CallMeJus

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Randy Holmes-Farley

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I’ve been battling Phosphates in my tank (haven’t we all at one point or another?) for a few months now. Last month my Hanna checker read 2.49. I did a 25% water change and 3 10% water changes over three weeks. Just did another 25% water change the other day, put a new dosage of Phosban in the reactor, and started dosing No3PO4X. Read 1.92 today. And over 1 on the Red Sea test kit.

There is ZERO algae in my display tank, and all the Coral and other livestock are doing great (aside from SPS). I run a fuge with Chaeto and Miracle Mud, lit by an H80. I used to only light it after the display lights go out but I started lighting it 24 hrs and 100% in hopes of kickstarting more Chaeto growth.

I use my own RODI water for ATO (0 TDS) but I use Saltwater from the LFS because I haven’t started making my own (just bought some Fritz blue box though)...What gives?!

Mixed Reef, LPS dominated
- 44gal AquaJapan w/ 10(?)gal Sump
- Chaeto w/ Miracle Mud lit by H80
- feed Rod’s Food, and Reef Roids
- Dose BRS 2-part manually
- dose Polyplab Polypbooster weekly x2
- Brightwell Aminos

Cal 420
Alk 8.6
Mag 1320

Water changes are a very poor way to deal with elevated phosphate (unlike nitrate) due to the large amount likely bound to rock and sand. Even a 100% water change may not drop it all that much.
 

How much do you care about having a display FREE of wires, pumps and equipment?

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