phosphates .5, suggestions, other than wc?

[CAROLGYRL]

my phosphates have been staying at .5, for a couple of months. I am doing water changes about every three weeks, about 45 gallons from my 180. I am going to try to do every 2 weeks. Any suggestions?I had an algae problem, but it hads been under control now for a couple of months. not a problem now at all.ammonia is 0, calcium 500, high range ph is 8.4, nitrate 20, nitrite 0, c. hardness 10 dkh

 

[Hop]

Have you tested your new water before a water change?

Other than that, with a 200 gallon tank I would suggest two of the regular phosphate reactors or one of the smaller Geo reactors. I run bulkreefsupply GFO and am quite happy with it.

 

[EvMiBo]

Not sure how much you would need, one pack might get the job done, i'm not sure... but, look into chemipure-elite.

 

[sps1-2-b]

Either phosban reactor or chaeto in fuge should remove phosphate.

 

[CAROLGYRL]

thanks, I am working out a way to make a fuge, poke it in closet. I'll check out the info, thanks

 

[micoral]

GFO is the only reasonable soloution. I do a lot of chaetomorph in my 240's sump...., but that only polishes it down to .25 or so, and the phosphate is still in there... just waiting for the chaeto to die off or get eaten... (what eats chaeto?)

 

[Michael]

its very likely your phos is getting in with your make up water, maybe time to find out why, alternatively it may have been in the rock you bought and will eventually go when its used up, perhaps running a 150 with rowa phos or the like will speed things up, i assume you are using water from a ro machine?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

GFO is the only reasonable soloution. I do a lot of chaetomorph in my 240's sump...., but that only polishes it down to .25 or so, and the phosphate is still in there... just waiting for the chaeto to die off or get eaten... (what eats chaeto?)

Not sure what you mean by that. Probably you are not growing enough and harvesting it when it gets too large for the space it is in. Or maybe not enough light. But sufficient macroalgae can keep phosphate in check. It has done so on my reef system for many years. But you need enough and bright enough light.

These may be helpful for those looking to reduce phosphate:

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

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

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