Phosphate dosing

[Sod Buster]

Thanks. It just said water. I'll make a new batch and see what happens. That makes sense.

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

I agree with @MabuyaQ
It's most likely precipitation from using salt water I would use RODI water next time.

 

[Hillbillyreefer]

Mine is mixed with RODI, not tank water.

 

[Sod Buster]

Understood. RODI water coming right up!

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I use the same thing you are using for my tanks. I have mine mixed up in my ATO for dosing, as I have spent to many days figuring my consumption vs my evap. Both are added to my 50g ATO container and have always mixed and stayed clear. I also have one tank that using my DOS to dose individual mixes, since it is not tied to a large ATO tank. Again, it stays clear there. So RODI should solve the problem with it being cloudy.

Another thing to watch is your salinity, it does not affect it too terribly much, unless used on a large scale. One of my Zoa grow out tanks, I do have to watch it closely. It sucks up a lot more nitrate and about once a month I have to adjust the salinity a hair. The other tanks, it fixes what the skimmers removes lol.

But once you get your dosing down and can figure consumption (if you want to), the ATO method is a wonderful thing. Just something to think about if you are interested in it.

 

[Sod Buster]

Ok. My tank is pretty new, but bottomed out to 0 on the po4. I just want to keep a detectable level on my ULR is all. I'm at 2 nitrate, didn't want to get all wacky in the 3rd month. All dry rock that started at peak 1 month in was .061, steadily down to zero. Thanks for the clarification and tips. I'm at .021 po4 after last night.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

No, the solution should be clear. You need to mix it in purified fresh water, like RODI, not tank water.

Right. Tank water will precipitate calcium and magnesium phosphate. Maybe calcium carbonate.