Refugium, NO3 and PO4

[hkgar]

My current Phosphate is .07 and nitrate is 2.

I am running GAC and GFO, plus starting up a refugium with 5lbs live rock rubble and 1 ft by 6" cylinder of Cheto.

Are the levels within an acceptable range for SPS? Should I discontinue GAC and GFO and see if the Cheto can keep it under control?

 

[sahin]

My current Phosphate is .07 and nitrate is 2.

I am running GAC and GFO, plus starting up a refugium with 5lbs live rock rubble and 1 ft by 6" cylinder of Cheto.

Are the levels within an acceptable range for SPS? Should I discontinue GAC and GFO and see if the Cheto can keep it under control?

IMO those levels are fine. Some people might say the PO4 is too high and to keep it below 0.03ppm; however, there are tanks out there that run PO4 much higher than 0.03ppm and have colourful SPS.

In any event, what you are doing in terms of the Regium is going to be good for the tank. The Cheato will suck up some of the excess PO4 and NO3, at the same time it will be a haven for pods, so I say go for it.

Just make sure that ALk, Ca and Mg are taken care of and that these levels are steady.

As for ceasing GFO and GAC use:

1. GFO use can be stopped if after the refugium gets going and you see the PO4 levels drop below 0.03ppm. Heck, you can even stop it if you dont get any algae issues and the Cheato is able to maintain a low enough PO4 and NO3 level.

2. GAC can be continued to be used as it can remove odours and yellowing compounds from the water.

 

[hkgar]

CA = 430
ALK = 9.4
Mag = 1330

I use a CA reactor

This is the only piece of rock that has any algae and it really isn't discernible.