nereefpat
New member
Time to take a sample to the lfs to double check. Ask them about the city water issue too.
Phosphate Levels
- Thread starter mickeyfish
- Start date
Time to take a sample to the lfs to double check. Ask them about the city water issue too.
mickeyfish
Member
Unfortunately the LFS uses the API kits. I e had them double check my Alk / CA before. For the phosphate, they recommended GFO. However, even in a reactor it doesn't seem to be lowering my levels.
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mickeyfish
Member
Ok. So I tested the effluent from NEW GFO and this is what I am seeing. Note that it is important I WAITED for the API test to develop instead of looking at the initial color. In any case, the reading is 0 on the API kit but still dark on Seachem. In the trash that one goes.
Next I tested my fresh water change water (2nd vial from left) and tank (3rd from left). Tank still appears to be (not quite .25) but still not close to 0. And this is with HC GFO running all the time.
Corals are faded and not vibrant, hence the trying to lower phosphates. I may run GFO in my water change water as well.
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If they're faded, it might not be a phosphate issue. High phosphates usually cause them to brown by creating more zooxenthelle within the coral. It could be a lack of nutrients or a potassium issue if they're faded. Well, those are thee two things I would look it.
EDIT: I assumed SPS corals. What type of corals look faded?
EDIT: I assumed SPS corals. What type of corals look faded?
mickeyfish
Member
LPS. Specifically a Blastomussa. It used to be vibrant red, now it's whitish. Picture below. Also, I have some turquoise algae growing on the sand.
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Hmm, well, LPS is a different story. It could be a lot of different things. What do your nitrates test at? Also, I noticed the toadstool. Do you have a lot of softies in the tank? If so, are you running a good quality GAC? Supposedly they can release toxins which may irritate other corals. How long has it been in that spot? I wonder if it's getting too little or too much light?
mickeyfish
Member
My nitrates Test between 0-5 (just barely color the API vial). I do have lots of softies and run a big bag of MatrixCarbon in the media rack. Side note, the leathers have been splitting like crazy.
It has been in that spot for a couple of months now and is actually growing 4-5 small new heads. It's just the color that is off. Same on the montiopora (SPS) behind it.
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