High phosphorus, low nitrate help

[reefrocker82]

Hello reefers,

I am currently battling high phosphates. My Hanna ulr phosphorus reading is currently at 123ppb but my nitrates are only at 4ppm which is up from 0.9 two weeks ago. I have been feeding more to bring up the nitrates and added some phosguard and gfo for the phosphate.

I’m currently feeding frozen mysis, rods, nori, and brs pellets. I was adding frozen spinach to the mix for my purple tang and starry blenny because they love it, but have discontinued since realizing that it may contain elevated phosphates. I am also now thawing/straining the mysis/rods. Before I was just soaking it in garlic/selcon and mixing in a bottle to feed.

I had some chaeto in my sump that I just removed as it wasn’t doing well. I also have a remote fuge with ulva and gracilaria that is doing well with moderate growth.

So far my phosphorus readings have not changed much since adding phosguard two weeks ago. Also my torches and a couple of red discos have not been opening up as much since adding the phosguard. Everyone else seems happy. Zoas, toadstools, candy canes, RBTA, and mushrooms are all fully extended.

Sorry for the long post lol. Does anyone have any further suggestions to get my phos in check? Thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If you have not replaced the Phosguard, it likely is depleted. Replacing it, or use GFO or lanthanum all seem reasonable if you want to lower it.

 

[Catawba_Valley_Reef]

Phosguard burns out quickly in my experience. I would go with rowaphos or another gfo.

I also think once you bring the po4 down your no3 will go up some.

I wouldn’t necessarily feed more to get your no3 up…as you are also increasing po4. I wouldn’t necessarily feed just focus on bring po4 down…which may require a little less feeding while using gfo.

 

[reefrocker82]

If you have not replaced the Phosguard, it likely is depleted. Replacing it, or use GFO or lanthanum all seem reasonable if you want to lower it.

Thanks, sorry I failed to mention that I did remove the phosguard and replaced with gfo a few days ago. I guess I just expected to see at least some difference. But I suppose patience is key as with all things reef lol. I’m hoping that between better feeding practices (thawing/straining), more frequent water changes, and the gfo, hopefully things will settle out soon. I’ve just not seen my torches fully extended literally since the day after I added phosguard. I should probably get an ICP test. I’m worried it may be an aluminum issue even though I thoroughly rinsed with RODI.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

To lower phosphate, you may need to bind a lot more than you expect since a lot may desorb from rock and sand. It takes time, but going slow is good.

 

[reefrocker82]

Phosguard burns out quickly in my experience. I would go with rowaphos or another gfo.

I also think once you bring the po4 down your no3 will go up some.

I wouldn’t necessarily feed more to get your no3 up…as you are also increasing po4. I wouldn’t necessarily feed just focus on bring po4 down…which may require a little less feeding while using gfo.

I don’t think I’m overfeeding as they readily consume 90% and I have a healthy cuc. I was worried that 0.9ppm NO3 was just way too low. They are all fat and happy so I’ll take your advice and cutback a bit.

Phosguard burns out quickly in my experience. I would go with rowaphos or another gfo.

I also think once you bring the po4 down your no3 will go up some.

I wouldn’t necessarily feed more to get your no3 up…as you are also increasing po4. I wouldn’t necessarily feed just focus on bring po4 down…which may require a little less feeding while using gfo.

I did replace the phosguard a few days ago and replaced with gfo. I’ve been giving an extra feeding every day as I felt that 0.9ppm NO3 was too low. I’m a little more comfortable with 4ppm so I’ll definitely heed your advice and cut back a bit. They’re all fat and happy anyway lol.

 

[reefrocker82]

I don’t think I’m overfeeding as they readily consume 90% and I have a healthy cuc. I was worried that 0.9ppm NO3 was just way too low. They are all fat and happy so I’ll take your advice and cutback a bit.

I did replace the phosguard a few days ago and replaced with gfo. I’ve been giving an extra feeding every day as I felt that 0.9ppm NO3 was too low. I’m a little more comfortable with 4ppm so I’ll definitely heed your advice and cut back a bit. They’re all fat and happy anyway lol.

lol, didn’t realize I replied twice. I lost my connection and my initial reply didn’t register.