I measured my RO/DI output today. 16 PPM (error in memory when typing 28ppm above). I start at about 170 ppm (also from memory) from the tap. I use about 15 - 20 gallons per week, and changed my filters out in my water filtration system 7 months ago. That's 5 - 600 gallons since new.
I agree completely that the growth is using up the phosphate, then dumping it back with death. My glass is clean, by the way. I get a light dusting once a week or less. The growth is on the bottom and backs of the live rock - does this indicate anything? At least it's steering me away from needing new lights. It points to flow, but I think I have good flow. I'm thinking of adding a couple of power heads down low.
My chaeto is really dark green and kind of matted together. I take out a fairly good chunk every couple of weeks. I'm going to be really aggressive about keeping the chaeto turned, thinned out, and well shaken to keep debris from resting on it. I think that if I hit all of the areas known to produce phosphates really hard for a couple of weeks, I can get the system back to normal.
I think that one of my main problems is that once I get things cleaned up really well, I expect it to maintain itself. I need to stay aggressive at keeping it cleaned out.
Do you guys turkey baste frequently? How do you extract the waste when you do? Do you need to clean your rocks?
