High Phosphate when cycling

[georgeti]

Hello,

Currently cycling my tank using food, 5 days in and I have ammonia, nitrite and nitrate present. But also have high levels of phosphate 0.9 using a Hanna checker.



I’ve done a 20% water change to bring it down a bit.



Should I do a further water change or wait until cycle is complete.



Additionally, I am using a fluval marine 52L, I only want to keep a few softies and lps. Do I need a skimmer?

 

[Lasse]

using food

Here is your answer why you have a PO4 problem.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Water changes generally are not a successful plan for lowering phosphate (unlike nitrate). Even a 100% change may soon see phosphate back high again as phosphate is released from being bound to the surfaces of rock and sand.