Phosphates at 0 now what?

Azasb · Mar 31, 2014

So I had phosphates kind of high can't remember what it was. I added a TLF reactor and now PO4 has been at zero for the last week. So... Now what? Do I stop the reactor for a while, turn it off at night? Have less media in the reactor?

biologicalme · Apr 1, 2014

If everything looks good leave it be. My phosphates always test at 0 but I'm sure there's a bit there due to feeding and because all my coral looks good and I'm still getting growth on my chaeto.

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Six2seven · Apr 1, 2014

I never liked my phosphates at zero. You might want to slow it down with less media.

You removed it at a higher pace than it grew so after zero you are just depleting nutrients that corals need. You could starve you coral slowly that way.

gonumber24 · Apr 1, 2014

There will be residual po4 that will leach from your rock and sand. NSW is at 0.03, so you do want some in your water column.

Reefomeez · Apr 1, 2014

Six2seven said:

+1, either remove some media so your water has some phosphates or feed heavily until it balances out. If your phosphates are at 0 you're starving your coral.

BeanMachine · Apr 1, 2014

My question is how are you checking your phosphates? I would leave the reactor alone without knowing anything about your system. How much are you feeding your tank, how many fish, and how often?

robert_ellis · Apr 1, 2014

I run phos at .08 and all my sps are colored up nicely or coming back from starving after running it at 0. I would recommend taking out some gfo and trying to stabilize between .04 and .08. I ran 0 with a lack of color and after talking with Robert at chance of coral and getting the suggestion to run it at .04-.08 I am much happier.

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Azasb · Apr 1, 2014

cool thank everyone!! So here is my plan:
1) keep my feeding schedule the same.
2) keep my reactor off till I get some constant PO4 readings between: (.09-.05) bout 3 days of readings in this range would be good I think.
3) turn on the reactor but only put 1/4 cup of phosban (not my usual 1/2 cup)

Azasb · Apr 1, 2014

One more think my skimmer was not producing as much "skimate" as before, is this the reason why?

SchnitzelReef · Apr 1, 2014

What are u doing to test phosphates? That should have been the first question

NEVER LET DIE AQUATICS · Apr 23, 2014

taste test.

Phosphates at 0 now what?

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