A week ago - I check the phosphate level with a Hanna Checker HI 713 , the result was around 0.2 ppm. I started the phosphate remover reactor with media from Triton and already after some days – the level was low – much lower. Yesterday evening – just before the main light turned off – the measured level was between 0.03 and 0 (two tests). This morning – before the main light turns on but with the refugium light on – the concentration I read was 0. From now I change my running of the reactor. It will only run during the day (09:00 to 21:00) and I hope that the phosphate produced by the bacteria (and from the food – I feed around 19:00 – 20:00 every evening) during the night will be used by the macro algae.
The nitrate level is still not exactly known – but its not zero. I tested my way of testing it with known levels of nitrate (in saltwater) and I´m sure that the test does not work as it should in my saltwater. Not any surprise because I know how difficult it is to get right readings from nitrate tests in saltwater. I will try to test it with another method later on.
The change of the phosphate level was a little bit too fast. Some of my SPS does not going well but others survive. My goal is to have a phosphate level between 0.04 – 0.1 – read with this Checker. I know also that zero readings do not necessary means that its 0 with this checker.
I will also send in a Triton test today
Sincerely Lasse
