Phosphate checker

[Waterobert]

I just got my phosphate checker, and my first test reads .02. What is acceptable phosphate level for sps corals?

 

[allsps40]

If you can keep it there .02 is a very good po4 level. However 0.00 is best but I would not chase a 0.00 po4 level. Just run GFO and replace it as needed.

 

[blakers82]

I think you have an acceptable level for SPS. Many on this forum aim to keep phosphates below 0.05ppm with a good share looking to detect zero phosphates.

Here's a good link to ocean surface AND recommended parameters from Randy Holmes-Farley.

 

[Waterobert]

Thanks! LFS told me to keep it .1-.05 and I should be ok.

 

[allsps40]

IMO .1 is to high and will start causing algae issues. Under .05 is considered exceptable for sps.

 

[fcmatt]

.02 is a fine reading for a SPS tank. It is pretty darn tough to get lower without changing
your GFO on a weekly basis or do something else drastic in my opinion.
That reading might very well be 0 or .04 depending on the accuracy of the device which
I would have to look up to even recall.

 

[Waterobert]

Accuracy is +/- .04, so I could have 0.0 or .06 which is good.
My big three are good also.What other parameter I should worry about with sps?

 

[fcmatt]

Accuracy is +/- .04, so I could have 0.0 or .06 which is good.
My big three are good also.What other parameter I should worry about with sps?

the big three in my mind are alk, alk, and alk.
with ca, mg, phosphate, ph, and silica all coming in second.
(i do not test for silica as i figure if my phos is low... so is silica)