Reducing phosphates and dealing with hair and bubble algae

[MrMeanyHead]

I have a fluval evo 13.5. I currently have 2 clownfish, a linear blenny, 2 emerald crabs, and various hermit crabs and snails. I also have 2 coral so not sure if cutting light is an option.

Currently I’m trying to do water changes, feeding less, and physically removing as much algae as I can, but phosphate isn’t changing. I’m thinking of buffing up my CUC but what else should I do to reduce phosphates.

Most recent parameters were 8.0 ph, 0 nitrates, I think 1ppm phosphate(I can’t really tell with my test kit I just know it’s decently high)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There are many ways to reduce phosphate, but I would not assume lowering it is going to reduce algae unless you take it so low that it risks corals not getting enough.

 

[MrMeanyHead]

Any recommendations, I’m way above where I need to be. I have trouble reading the API phosphate test kit, but it’s at least 0.75 which is way higher than it should. I just wanted some suggestions because I’ve been trying a few things and I haven’t been successful.

 

[reefingtom69]

I used Phosphate RX from Blue Life. However, I would dose 1/2 of whats recommended and go slow. I never had an issue with this. If you use this make sure you have a skimmer though! If no skimmer, I would recommend GFO but use it sparingly and get yourself a better test kit. You can actually make your tank worse by zeroing phosphates.

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[MrMeanyHead]

I used Phosphate RX from Blue Life. However, I would dose 1/2 of whats recommended and go slow. I never had an issue with this. If you use this make sure you have a skimmer though! If no skimmer, I would recommend GFO but use it sparingly and get yourself a better test kit. You can actually make your tank worse by zeroing phosphates.

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I’ll try GFO since I don’t have a skimmer and do it slowly over a few weeks