Just got my hanna checker phosphate

[HeavyHittah]

And my water tested 0.0. I tested my tap water (well water) and it tested 0.09. So that told me it wasn't broke and i performed it right. I have been experiencing sluggish growth with my zoas and favia. And I'm confident its because my water is too clean. I turned off my gfo before I went to work yesterday, came home and my shrooms were extremely happy. Will phosphates raise on their own, or can I add something to bring it up to 0.03? I also how often should I test phosphate, once a week?

 

[HeavyHittah]

Other parameters are:
Sg: 1.025(refrac)
Ph: 7.8-8(api)
amm: 0(api)
trite: 0(api)
Trate: 20(api) *you know how matching colors are
Ca: 415-420(red sea pro)
Alk: 9.8(rsp)
Mg: 1290(rsp)

 

[little_fish]

Just doing water changes will slowly raise the phosphates over time, also the fish poop and other waste will also allow the phosphates levels to raise.

 

[HeavyHittah]

I have no fish, just coral. Think I should add one? (standard 10 gallon)

 

[little_fish]

Yes, never underestimate the power of fish poop. It provides nutrients (amino acids, proteins etc) for your corals that cant be found in the newly made saltwater.

I would add a clown or a cardinal

 

[HeavyHittah]

OK. I had a clown in this tank once before. I loved that little dude. Came home one day and found him on the floor. I was pissed, never added another fish after that. Going to the lfs today anyways, looking for a 40b. I'll see what they got.

 

[little_fish]

You can make a little mesh lid to keep them from jumping

 

[sen5241b]

Seawater has phosphates of 0.07ppm on average although it varies quite a bit. 0.25ppm is too high.

 

[HeavyHittah]

So what phosphate levels are best for zoas and lps. I only have two sps in my tank. Tested PO today and got 0.09. I tested my tap and got 0.04. If i run my gfo it seems to work too fast and takes me down to 0. Boy I can't wait to switch over to my 40b. Things are just making confused with this 10g.