Can someone explain phosphate to me?

[CeeGee]

This may have been better suited in the general forum but I thought that the SPS guys are more concerned and probably better informed than anyone else on this.

I seem to have a phosphate issue. My frags are trying to color up but will only go so far. I have some hair algae that grows on my power head outputs and my chaeto in my fuge doesn't seem to be getting any larger. My salifert test kit shows very close to 0 but it has to be wrong.

Where does phosphate come from? What is the best way to add as little as possible to the tank?
I know that I can add a phosphate reactor (when funds permit) but I am wondering where it comes from and how to help eliminate it for now. I was thinking that the chaeto would help with the problem but hasn't thus far.

I don't know very much about phosphate except that you don't need a whole lot of it and any info you guys could give me would be very appreciated.

Thanks,
C.G.

 

[RicksReefs]

you add phosphates every time you feed or stick your hands in the tank, etc, i.e. they're unavoidable.

http://advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm

 

[dalbrecht]

Phosphate comes primarily from food and tapwater used as top off ( many municipalities dose it in the water for public health reasons) In the short term an iron oxide hydroxide phosphate remover (phosx, rowaphos, other rust colored phosphate removers) will help you get it under control. This can be added and dosed just like carbon.

 

[Ti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7505442#post7505442 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RicksReefs
you add phosphates every time you feed or stick your hands in the tank, etc, i.e. they're unavoidable.

http://advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm

i guess i should keep my hands out.