Does all tap water have phosphates in it?

[laserjim]

Does all tap water have phosphates in it? I tested my tap water and I measure 0 on phosphates. I have brown algea on the sand and glass,I havent got ro/di unit yet.Do they make a silicate test kit?

 

[demonsp]

Tap water is not all created equal. And maybe fine for months or years then shows its reason its not good to use.
Though i dought this is your problem now. Tap water takes time to collect unwanted elements and you could be slammed with high phosphate or nitrate readings with just 1 water change , as the water supply is not consistant.

How old is this tank ?

 

[laserjim]

Its almost a year old,im trying to determine if my test kit is good .Do they make a test for silicates?I pretty much have had it all along.Its probbly the water,but my phosphate test kit shows 0 when I measure my tap water.

 

[demonsp]

What are all the readings ? And whene are you testing , or what time of day ?

 

[laserjim]

Nitrates almost 0.

 

[demonsp]

You need to stop useing tap ASAP. As things will only get worse.
I think more flow and better cleanup crew are needed. Also overfeeding and overstocking can contribute.
Is the skimmer collecting ?

 

[laserjim]

Yeah , I guess Im gonna have to break down and get an RO/DI unit. I think i might take a water sample to the LFS. I did find that they do sell silicates test kits. Thanks

 

[demonsp]

To save money you can get just a RO unit wich is best then add on the DI later. This will help in the long run but you need to get a grip in this before it gets worse. Algea will always be present and the only thing we can do is control it by water quality , flow , cleanup crew and testing. GL

 

[jiperalta]

Tampa tap water may already be ro - they have a huge desalination plant. Tampa area well water will be high in phosphates.

Either way an ro/di unit would be good.