High Phosphates trouble

[AlexVic]

I have a 40 gallon tank and my phosphate is currently 0.5 and I’m having trouble lowering it. I use rodi water so I know that’s not the problem. I heard poly filter lowers phosphate so I bought it but it doesn’t seem to do anything. I’m trying to get it lower than 0.1 so I can finally add corals to my tank. Do you guys have any idea on what I should do?

 

[CHSUB]

I have a 40 gallon tank and my phosphate is currently 0.5 and I’m having trouble lowering it. I use rodi water so I know that’s not the problem. I heard poly filter lowers phosphate so I bought it but it doesn’t seem to do anything. I’m trying to get it lower than 0.1 so I can finally add corals to my tank. Do you guys have any idea on what I should do?

You can add corals now, especially leathers that might consume some po4.

 

[AlexVic]

You can add corals now, especially leathers that might consume some po4.

I tried but my coral closed up after a few days. I ended up moving it to my other tank that has 0.02 phosphate and it opened up again.

 

[p1u5h13r4m24]

Water changes. Don’t move too fast. Also .2-.3 would be fine if you bring it down to that over the next few weeks

 

[FUNGI]

imo, .5 shouldn't bother many corals, especially softies......
Try running a fuge

 

[CHSUB]

I tried but my coral closed up after a few days. I ended up moving it to my other tank that has 0.02 phosphate and it opened up again.

Will not discount your experience, but I have had very successful reef tanks with po4 from 0.00 to 1ppm. My advice, try corals again in the 40 gallon.

 

[FUNGI]

My mean levels are 0.8 phosphates.....

 

[p1u5h13r4m24]

My mean levels are 0.8 phosphates.....

Ya I know acros guys running .2-.3

 

[AlexVic]

Water changes. Don’t move too fast. Also .2-.3 would be fine if you bring it down to that over the next few weeks

I’ve been doing 25% water changes every week. My phosphate goes down to 0.35 and then goes back to 0.5 by the next water change.

 

[AlexVic]

imo, .5 shouldn't bother many corals, especially softies......
Try running a fuge

Ya I know acros guys running .2-.3

Will not discount your experience, but I have had very successful reef tanks with po4 from 0.00 to 1ppm. My advice, try corals again in the 40 gallon.

I’m going to give it another go! If it doesn’t work out I’ll just put it back in my 15 gallon tank.

I’m thinking of putting a leather, gsp, and a Kenya tree. Do you guys think that’s ok?

 

[CHSUB]

Many agree with the sentiment of .5 po4 not being a huge problem. Notwithstanding, GFO works great at lowering po4 and with a small volume of water should not be to expensive. I too agree that lowering po4 to below .1 is a good idea.

 

[Uncle99]

I use phosphate 0.04 in my media reactor which slowly reduces phosphate but not lower than 0.04ppm so nothing bottoms out.

Expensive but works and I don’t need to monitor that.

 

[CHSUB]

I’m thinking of putting a leather, gsp, and a Kenya tree. Do you guys think that’s ok?

Kenya tree was my first thought, almost indestructible. Had one recently in 50% saltwater for a month and it did not die.

 

[AlexVic]

Many agree with the sentiment of .5 po4 not being a huge problem. Notwithstanding, GFO works great at lowering po4 and with a small volume of water should not be to expensive. I too agree that lowering po4 to below .1 is a good idea.

Can you send a link to the product you’re talking about?

 

[CHSUB]

Can you send a link to the product you’re talking about?

https://aquacave.com/rowaphos-gfo-phosphate-removal-media-5-000-ml.html
What I have used with success.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I have a 40 gallon tank and my phosphate is currently 0.5 and I’m having trouble lowering it. I use rodi water so I know that’s not the problem. I heard poly filter lowers phosphate so I bought it but it doesn’t seem to do anything. I’m trying to get it lower than 0.1 so I can finally add corals to my tank. Do you guys have any idea on what I should do?

Polyfilters, except the elite with GFO, won't bind phosphate, Claims otherwise are incorrect.