reef salts and phosphate

[coral_killer37]

I have been battling phosphate for about the past month or so. I have read many other threads regarding this issue and I have come to the conclusion that I am somehow introducing phosphate to my system. I had a fellow reefer come by and test my phosphate level in the tank and it is about 32ppm which aint great. Next we tested the water coming out of my s month old r-o unit and it was 7ppm. This now makes me suspicous of the salt I am using which is instant ocean and not the RC. Is it possible that my salt brand could be loaded with phosphate? Is there a brand of salt that has a reputation of being phosphate free? Could I benefit from A salt upgrade? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[89Foxbody]

32ppm? Really?? That's insane. I use IO Reef Crystals and I have no phosphate problems.

 

[shifty51008]

32 ppm are you sure that is right? if so I take it you don't have any corals in your tank. I would check with a diffrent kit.

 

[Metal Man 1221]

32 ppm are you sure that is right? if so I take it you don't have any corals in your tank. I would check with a diffrent kit.

+1, I always cross check test kits when I get abnormal levels, If you have a LFS you can bring a sample to I would suggest doing so.

What do you feed your tank? and how often?

Also if you are getting 7ppm of anything out of your RO unit its probably time to change your filters. Adding DI resin will help get the purest of water. I believe DI resin is very important in filtering your source water, and is not all that much more expensive. I get my DI resin for I believe, about $10 from BRS.

Edit: Color changing DI resin is $12 regular price on BRS, I find it to be a worthy investment.

Good luck