how to control phosphate in the reef?

[ricardo piza]

Hello everybody, okay?
I have an aquarium with several SPS and know there is the difficult task of keeping the pristine reef phosphate, what I know of you is the following:

1 - phosphate and maintains zero or near zero?

2 - what are the ways used or medias?

3 - one dosa vinegar or vodka in the reef?

Here in Brazil the medias are very expensive, I quite like the Rowa, but the cost is high.

I would like everyone's help

thank you

 

[dirtyBit]

There are many ways to maintain low nitrate and phosphate levels in your aquarium. Some of the methods I've tried are:
For nitrates:
Rocks, Deep Sand Bed (DSB), Vinegar/Vodka, Refugium.

For Phosphates:
Don't overfeed, GFO, Refugium.

Water changes and a good skimmer will help remove organics before they break down into more harmful things.

Most people use a combination of these thing to keep their nutrients low.

 

[ricardo piza]

Thanks, that means GFO?

 

[Preston7]

GFO = Rowaphos

Proper filtration and husbandry is your friend.

Kalkwasser will precipitate phosphates, so using a kalk reactor is an easy and great option (especially for an sps tank).

When I had phosphates, I had great success with Seachem products. Not sure if they're available in Brazil or not, though.

 

[EricSIny]

A really great read if your interested
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

 

[Spirofucci]

I think that RO/DI water is a must, you didn't mention if you use it. Also, some of the cheaper carbons may contain phosphates.

 

[ricardo piza]

Thank you all, I use water RO / DI of 6 stages, the medias and change membranes every month.
I use kalkwasser Water replacement, do not have a kalk reactor.

I was using rowafhos, but it's really expensive here in Brazil.

 

[jcw]

Prevent phosphates from increasing-
barebottom tank
feed sparingly/stock with fish appropriate for intended purpose (keeping SPS)
stock only with good live rock that doesn't leach phosphate

decrease phosphate when already a problem-
GFO (be sure to increase gradually to prevent shocking the corals)
remove as much detritus as possible, off live rock in dt, sump, refugium
vacuuum substrate or remove it regularly
use filter socks and replace VERY frequently
feed less/reduce bioload
skim


I don't always follow my own recommendations...