Phosphates. Help!!

AdamK1

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Driving me nuts.

No matter what I do, I cannot get a reading much above zero. I'm dosing phosphates at this point, and it's still zero. For a short while I managed to hit the dizzy heights of 0.02, (8ppb phosphorous on my checker) but that was soon zero again.

Nitrates are 11.3. I know why there's no phosphate. I'm dosing nopox daily, but nopox requires some phosphates to reduce nitrates.

So what should I do? Dose phosphates heavily until I hit an ideal ratio, then allow the nopox to reduce them in ratio to desired levels, or keep a daily light dose of phosphates to keep the nopox going?

I feed pellets and unwashed frozen food. As well as a little nori. I have 5 anthias, 2 clowns, an orange spot goby, a gramma, a purple tang and a fox face, as well as a small cuc in 300 odd litres. Algae isn't an issue. Running a roll mat, skimmer, that's about it.

I know too low isn't the worst issue, but it's an issue nonetheless.
 
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AdamK1

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If you started with dry rock it is most likely absorbing your phosphates. Once it absorbs enough to reach its saturation point you will start getting readings.
Ah OK! Yes I did use dry rock. The tank is just a baby at 2 months running. Didn't realise dry rock would absorb phosphates. Very interesting!
 

19Mateo83

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I had the same issue when I started up mine. I also used aragonite sand and it absorbs phosphates as well. I’m going on month 7 with my system and I’m now sitting at .06 phos and 10 nitrates. Everything seems to be loving life now.
IMG_0256.jpeg
 

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