Phosphates

[Barch]

I started measuring PO 4 in my tank about 2 weeks ago. I am using the BRS Dual reactor for phosphate and carbon. My phosphate measurements have been pretty erratic from 0 to .02 and then to 0 followed by .04, .02 and 0 again. I just wondering what everyone else's experience is . I'm using a Hanna checker so I think it's pretty accurate and I do the test the same way every time....any thoughts?

 

[sen5241b]

phosphate levels will vary. Keep'em < 0.03 ppm

0.1 ppm is when they will start seriously damaging corals

Also fluctuating chem levels usually means you need a water change.

 

[Smitty]

+! Sen....all parameters are constantly changing, but a water change will help balance them out.

 

[Barch]

the last water change was 10 days ago. I have been slowly spreading out the water changes to every 2 weeks. All the other parameters have been really consistent and there have been no water changes during the testing. I was surprised to see both + and - results during the time period....does this make sense?

 

[Smitty]

What are you feeding the tank, some foods are known to have phosphates in them... like pellets and flakes. Also, are you using ro/di water?

 

[Barch]

yup only ro/di from the beginning and I'm feeding mysis shrimp only 1 time per day to 5 fish, 2 shrimp and about 15 crabs.

 

[Smitty]

Well, sounds like you're doing the right thing there... it is possible that your rocks or sand could be leaching phosphates. You can try running some gfo.