OP
OP
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Well... since this thread got brought up after almost 10 years have passed, I'll weigh in.
I have since learned a ton about phosphates and how to control them. At the time I wrote this, I had a low level of phosphate consumption in my system. I was feeding too much food. Thus, my levels kept going up. A tank's nutrients are directly related to what you put into the system under normal circumstances. (I say normal because if things die in the system, this will likely add loads of phosphate)
Having learned that simple fact of INPUT vs OUTPUT, I have been able to maintain phosphate at a constant .03-.08 level. I feed nearly the exact amount of food each week, do the same maintenance program, skimmer on 24/7, and keep up with filter socks. Consistency is key. If phosphate started to climb, I lower the amount of food I feed. Likewise, if it starts to fall, I increase my feeding. It was great, but I didn't have enough time to keep feeding so much.
I have now gotten to the point where a specific daily amount of food is used. I set up a doser to add additional phosphate because my consumption is so high. Adding more food wasn't going to cut it anymore, so I supplement phosphate. In doing so, I am able to keep phosphate rock solid in what I feel are perfect ranges.
I have since learned a ton about phosphates and how to control them. At the time I wrote this, I had a low level of phosphate consumption in my system. I was feeding too much food. Thus, my levels kept going up. A tank's nutrients are directly related to what you put into the system under normal circumstances. (I say normal because if things die in the system, this will likely add loads of phosphate)
Having learned that simple fact of INPUT vs OUTPUT, I have been able to maintain phosphate at a constant .03-.08 level. I feed nearly the exact amount of food each week, do the same maintenance program, skimmer on 24/7, and keep up with filter socks. Consistency is key. If phosphate started to climb, I lower the amount of food I feed. Likewise, if it starts to fall, I increase my feeding. It was great, but I didn't have enough time to keep feeding so much.
I have now gotten to the point where a specific daily amount of food is used. I set up a doser to add additional phosphate because my consumption is so high. Adding more food wasn't going to cut it anymore, so I supplement phosphate. In doing so, I am able to keep phosphate rock solid in what I feel are perfect ranges.
