Phosphates.

[madkat]

Paul, Lynn all those more knowledgeable than I.
I used a hanna checker and my phosphates came in at .28. I assume that is bad?
How do I lower it. Water changes?

 

[pwhitby]

in the immediate future, yes water changes are your best bet.

Prior to doing so, blow all the crud off of your rocks with a powerhead.

Running GFO can really help- but I have never done so, and I really can not offer advice on that.

Growing macroalagaes and removing them is a sure fire way to deplete nutrients. One i recommend everyone should do if you have the space to do so.

a final option would be Carbon Dosing. Its easy to do and will lower your nitrates as well, but has its own inherent set of complications.

HTH,
Paul.

 

[ghellin]

I use GFO it wiped my phosphates out completely. I will be adding an algae turf scrubber next week as well.

 

[pwhitby]

Ghellin-

would you document your set up and experience with the scrubber please. I think this is something of great interest for the club.

thanks,
P.

 

[ghellin]

I would be happy to!

 

[Glazner]

not sure what he can document, he already has a pristine setup!!! I saw it last night and everything, and I mean EVERYTHING( even the plumbing) is beautiful!!! One thing you know for sure, Greg will do it right!!!

 

[bobkill]

I run a bulk reef supply media reactor with gfo and I haven't had any phosphates- it was about 100 for everything and let's me
Feed more - I want in on the algea scrubber

 

[MBryant]

I have a 20long connected to my tank full of macro alge I do mean full. I have 0 phosphates.