A question about phosphate

[lisamarie806]

I tested my tank for phosphate, my phosphate is only like 0.25. I have done some reading that phosphate is a cause of red algae slime. I still get a very thin film of the aquarium glass. There is one thing I can`t get cleared up,it is the top of my water. I have a film of this stuff that has covered the top of my water and I run the skimmer but it does not take care of it. Would a hydro pump help take care of this problem or do I need to do something else. I have a power head in the tank maybe I need one more. Can some one give me any help with trying to get the top of my water free of this brownish/red film that has covered the top of my tank.
Thanks

 

[yote]

You need more water flow.
Get yourself another powerhead or 2.Something like the Koralias,and I'll even suggest the K-4s.Make sure you have a fairly decent ripple on the water surface to help break that film up.

 

[XxKnuckleheadxX]

+1 yote.

 

[Piggy]

Agree with the above. I would also get some phosphate media.

 

[JAG107]

I hate to say this, but go to reefcentral.com and look in the water chemistry forum for phosphate topics. Randy Holmes Farley is a phosphate expert - it's official.
+2 Yote lots of surface flow will help your film problem like it did for me.

 

[lisamarie806]

Re: A question about phosphate..another question

Thanks for the help I will get a koralias. I have two power heads now in my tank where I only had one. My tank is like 75 Gal. so with the canister filter I have and the two power heads should I get one hydro pump or two, should I get an, 8.5w. or higher? I know the higher I go it will be better. If I can only affrord one for now and at a smaller size, what size should I get. 8.5w,6.5w,4.5w?
Thanks

 

[yote]

Wont do much good to use any thing smaller the a K-2.
I cant remember the GPH of those right now,but with a 75 gallon tank,you'll need 3 or 4 of em.

 

[dennis73]

Lisamarie the K-2 is rated at 600gph'

 

[newreefinsc]

I had a severe problem with red slime. I bought a surface skimmer for my remora, then began using phos-lok in the skimmer return. Never had another problem. The surface skimmer will also help with surface film, esp. with extra flow.

 

[messiah023]

Hi Lisa,

Everyone's got you covered. You will need the bigger Koralias. I have a 30g with (2) K1s. Also, since you are using a skimmer, I would dump your canister. You can take out the filter media and keep it for a GFO / Carbon filter, but the standard "canister" media is useless and may cause "muck" in your tank.

Here is a pic with my (2) K1s. Notice the surface.....no film buildup. (OK, so it's just an excuse to post this pic again!) :-)