phosphate?

[woogy]

My test kit reads 0...but since I have algae other reefers say it is consumed by the algae that's why it reads 0. I have some phosbuster but it states do not use if levels are below .1ppm so what should I do?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You definitely want phosphate levels below 0.1 ppm in a reef. If you have green algae, it is fine to keep using a binder. I can't imagine why they'd say that.

FWIW, I think you'd be better of using some brand of GFO (granular ferric oxide) instead of soluble additives that do not actually export the phosphate from the reef tank, but rather just try to settle it out on the bottom.

These have more:

Phosphate and the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php

Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm