I have two quick questions... First off I tested my Phosphate levels today and they were between .5-1.0 ppm. I use RO/DI water and Instant Ocean salt and really dont feed too much.. What could be the cause of these phosphates and how much should I worry? Also I wanted to add more flow to my 115 gallon reef tank. I keep a clam, some softies, a few lps hard corals, brains, mushrooms, Gorgonian, etc. I have just a pipe hooked up to a pump now That is in the middle of the tank and flows toward the right wall. This is really not enough flow ( I don't know the specs on the pump, etc, I did not install or purchase it). But I was wondeing what kinda of a powerhead and pump if needed should I get? I was lookign at maxi-jets and others but didnt know the proper flow rate for my tank. Should one more powerhead suffice or is more reccomened? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Phosphate Levels/ Powerhead
- Thread starter bg3489
- Start date
LobsterOfJustice
Recovering Detritophobe
Test the phosphate level of the RODI water and your freshly mixed saltwater.
May be accumulation of the debris in the sand, or in the filter media, or, if the rock is old and green, from the rock. What filter do you have? I'm trying to change my filter media when it changes color, practically daily, but I feed heavily. Only canister filter is cleaned every 3 days.
If you plan to add poweheads, please consider Maxi-Jet 900 against Maxi-jet 1200 - small difference in gph and large difference in power consumption and heating. I ended up removing MJ1200 (2 of them) from my 90g tank, and replaced them with 2 Seio 620 (~600 gph of the soft flow, like them).
10-20x turnover will be good. 2 powerheads on the back wall (right and left), faced front at 35-40 degree angle. Filter adds some gph too (gallons per hour).
If you will need to remove phosphates, one of the best is RowaPhos (didn't tried yet), but Kent Phosphate Sponge is good too - put in in 800mk filter bag (size, close to the fine bridal veil fabric), wash in cold water and put in the area of high flow in the sump or filter for 8 hrs. Or 3 days - 1/3 of the dose each time. Worked for me.
I'm using IO salt too, in tap water.
If you plan to add poweheads, please consider Maxi-Jet 900 against Maxi-jet 1200 - small difference in gph and large difference in power consumption and heating. I ended up removing MJ1200 (2 of them) from my 90g tank, and replaced them with 2 Seio 620 (~600 gph of the soft flow, like them).
10-20x turnover will be good. 2 powerheads on the back wall (right and left), faced front at 35-40 degree angle. Filter adds some gph too (gallons per hour).
If you will need to remove phosphates, one of the best is RowaPhos (didn't tried yet), but Kent Phosphate Sponge is good too - put in in 800mk filter bag (size, close to the fine bridal veil fabric), wash in cold water and put in the area of high flow in the sump or filter for 8 hrs. Or 3 days - 1/3 of the dose each time. Worked for me.
I'm using IO salt too, in tap water.
CeeGee
New member
make sure to blow the detritus out of the rock frequently. I do this about every other day at least. I installed filter socks in my sump to catch all the crap I blow out of my rocks and trust me it is substantial.
If you install a phosphate reactor stay away from aluminum based media if you have softies.
If you install a phosphate reactor stay away from aluminum based media if you have softies.
I just went to the LFS to re-test and found that I most likely just mixed up the Phospahte test. The colors were close together and i must have mixed them up! In regards to the powerheads I am considering either teh Seio or Maxi-jet. Is two enough for a 115 gallon tank and is it possible for anybody to suggest where to place them? Also can I run these off my current pump or do I need to buy a new one? Thanks
CeeGee
New member
sorry about the delay I have been under the weather and not on RC.
Filter socks are basically just that. It is a sock that slips over the drain pipe that goes into your sump. It pulls out the larger particles before they breakdown and pollute the tank (providing you change it regularly).
There is no way that the filter gets all of that and yes it settles back in the tank. Hence the reason to do it often. I now blow out my rocks every day or every other day when I am slacking.
It is apparently very important to do as my tank is not in the best shape as a result of not doing it as often as possible. I did not know any better but I do now.
Filter socks are basically just that. It is a sock that slips over the drain pipe that goes into your sump. It pulls out the larger particles before they breakdown and pollute the tank (providing you change it regularly).
There is no way that the filter gets all of that and yes it settles back in the tank. Hence the reason to do it often. I now blow out my rocks every day or every other day when I am slacking.
It is apparently very important to do as my tank is not in the best shape as a result of not doing it as often as possible. I did not know any better but I do now.
