Figured out source of po4

[swk]

Now, granted this is based results on an api test kit so......

Since I added some sps to my young tank I figured I should test for a few additional things, even though I've had great results so far. I tested my tank water and it showed between 0 and .25 which is not terrible, but not perfect either.

So I tested the ro water I buy, zero. I test the sea water I buy from a lfs and bingo! A SOLID .25++

Moral of the story is that it's time for me to pony up and start mixing my own water.

One extremely positive side note is that my nutrient export methods are working as the in tank level is much lower than the unused stuff.

 

[1kwksvt]

Great to hear that you found the cause, and did not just try to quick fix it( for the lack of a better term.) So many of us in this hobby try to bandaid the issues instead of trying to figure out the root cause. Good find

 

[swk]

Trying to avoid adding unnecessary things to the maintenance and cost of the tank. I could've very easily ran out and purchased a reactor and gfo, but would rather not if I don't need to.

Thanks Robert

 

[zeroinverse]

If u ever read Rich Rosa article... He has super high phosphate levels but no problems with algae etc.

Just saying trying to keep things ultra low is not necessarily the goal of reef keeping and actually slows down growth of corals at times since they have no "building blocks". So I say "balance". Zero phosphate also means u probably will get limited/slow growth in corals and thus not be able to give back to club as quickly.

 

[Ssteve]

I have po4 and zero issues and a lot of things are growing like crazy. My source? I feed A LOT lol

 

[zeroinverse]

Oops! Rich Ross, I meant. Not rich rosa.

http://www.reefs.com/magazine/15981...g-ix-test-kits-chasing-numbers-phosphate.html

 

[lokii_37]

Here is intersting article about how much P we add to our aquariums with food and how it out weighs any other source of P going into our tank, even the 0.25ppm in your incoming water.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/3/chemistry

edited to actually attach the article