How to lower KH and Phosphate levels?

[sethd12]

I am not new to the hobby, but I cannot figure out how to lower my phosphate levels. I have tried Phosguard by Seachem with little to no results. What do you guys recommend using? Also, my KH level is high, and has been high for almost three years. I have been trying everything, but I just can't get it lower. Do you guys have any suggestions on what I can do?

Thanks,
seth

 

[zimmy1979]

Completely off-topic. I was wondering if you had a picture of your shark tank. I would love to see that.

Thanks!

Paul

 

[bertoni]

KH should be dropping on its own unless you're adding some sort of supplement, etc. Have you measured some freshly-mixed saltwater? What brand of salt are you using?

This article talks about phosphorus:

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

 

[sethd12]

im using kent sea salt. the only thing i add is a calcium supplement. that shouldnt be raising the kh should it. the tank is over 2 years old, but for some reason the kh just WONT drop. My corals are growing,(very slowly) but they are not thriving. i dont have any coraline algae either. i have not tested new saltwater yet, but i will do so this weekend.

 

[bertoni]

What supplement are you adding? A calcium supplement shouldn't add alkalinity. What does freshly-mixed saltwater measure?

 

[sethd12]

im just adding strontium, magnesium, and iodine weekly. i have never had to add anything else. my kh level in the fresh saltwater is perfect. i just dont know why i cant lower my kh and my phosphate levels. anymore advice??

 

[bertoni]

None of those should raise dKH. What is the calcium supplement? Are you using tapwater for topoff? If so, it might contain a fair amount of alkalinity.

 

[sethd12]

no, i am using rodi water for topoff. my calcium supplement that i have used once i think is turbo calcium made by kent marine.

 

[bertoni]

A test on some freshly-mixed saltwater might be interesting.

 

[sethd12]

ok, i just tested it and it is exactly where it should be. this is really troubling me. i just dont understand how it could be so high for such a long time.

 

[bertoni]

Do you have any artificial reef rock (concrete) in the tank? I guess an inventory would be the next step.

 

[sethd12]

nope, i sure dont. it is all marshall island live rock.

 

[bertoni]

Well, I have no idea what's happening.

 

[kevin2000]

What is your KH level and what test kit are you using?