When it can go wrong, it will go wrong.

[StartingATank]

So, I need some help on what to do. So, this morning, I woke up and everything looked fine. Then, about an hour later, I noticed one of the anemones is moving down the rockwork, and I was like, "Oh its splitting, cool!" Well, then the other anemone released its foot and the one that moved down also was about to release its foot. So, whenever I put my hand into the tank, to catch it, some water somehow came over the edge (I really don't know how it did) and landed on my backup generator, which caused it to short circuit, so I quickly unplugged everything and there goes that. Had to somehow figure out how to plug everything back in in the very small amount of space I had. Well, then the Anemone released its foot so I quickly put it into the acclimation box so it didn't just float around. Then, I hear my dog barking at the door, and then some corals I ordered get here, so I was all worried about them because my tank is kinda a mess, so I bring them inside and leave them be for a bit so I can organize the wires. Well, I put the bags in so they can float before I test my numbers, which were pretty much perfect the week before, and the phosphates come back as >2.5, so I retest them, same exact result. So, I start making water for a water change, and I try to figure out what caused the phosphate spike. I have no fish in there, no corals or snails die, haven't been supplementing or feeding, so I am kinda at a loss of what could have caused this. So, I am unsure of what to exactly do, but all my corals looks good and my anemones are both open colorful and happy, so I am quite unsure of what to do. Do you guys have any ideas on anything? Please help

 

[TheSaltyCPA]

First. Relax and take a deep breath.

Are you sure phosphate is that high? Did you test twice to ensure there wasn’t a fluke? As far as I’m aware, most phosphate checkers don’t even register above .99 PPM (I use Hanna), so for yours to register twice as high makes me think it’s a testing error.

How long has the tank been set up? What are you other parameters? Live rock? Dry rock?

 

[MikeReefs]

Have you added any new rock recently

 

[StartingATank]

First. Relax and take a deep breath.

Are you sure phosphate is that high? Did you test twice to ensure there wasn’t a fluke? As far as I’m aware, most phosphate checkers don’t even register above .99 PPM (I use Hanna), so for yours to register twice as high makes me think it’s a testing error.

How long has the tank been set up? What are you other parameters? Live rock? Dry rock?

I did test twice, I use Hanna low range phosphate, tank has been set up for ~1 1/2-2 years. I believe I used dry rock

 

[StartingATank]

Have you added any new rock recently

No I haven’t.

 

[TheSaltyCPA]

Hanna checkers don’t typically go over .99 PPM. They error out after that and blink.

Is it possible you meant .25 PPM? While a bit on the high side, it’s not going to immediately be an issue. I’ve got corals in a tank with .9 PPM at the moment.

 

[StartingATank]

Hanna checkers don’t typically go over .99 PPM. They error out after that and blink.

Is it possible you meant .25 PPM? While a bit on the high side, it’s not going to immediately be an issue. I’ve got corals in a tank with .9 PPM at the moment.

It was blinking at 2.5…… my tank used to run at ~2 before I replaced my Rodi water system. I also checked the Rodi water and it was at 0, so something in the tank caused it. I believe that the ULR phosphate tester can’t go over .99 but I think that the LR phosphate goes up to 2.5

 

[TheSaltyCPA]

What is the total water volume you’re working with? Man that’s some really high phosphate, especially to make the jump in a short time! Are you running a nano tank?

My only advice at the moment is to do a large watcher change to bring it down if you believe the Hanna checker is accurate.

 

[StartingATank]

What is the total water volume you’re working with? Man that’s some really high phosphate, especially to make the jump in a short time! Are you running a nano tank?

My only advice at the moment is to do a large watcher change to bring it down if you believe the Hanna checker is accurate.

My tank system is 33 gal, I am currently working on doing a 25% water change, hopefully that will do the trick. I also plan on replacing the gfo and cleaning the filter sponge and sock. Yes it is a nano.