Removing phosphates

[rmf2007]

In addition to water changes, what are the other choices for removing phosphates?

1 - Phos reactor - no space available in my sump
2 - Media bag in sump - do they do any good?
3 - Dose vodka?

Any other suggestions? My readings with both API and Salifert test kits are 0. Figured my recent outbreak of hair algae is consuming it.
Also upgraded T5 from PC's. Will lessen the times they are on.

 

[birch03]

When did your hair algae start. Before the new lights or after adding them? What size is your tank setup? Im thinking that if your algae showed up after the new lights were added that would have been the catalist. Do you use RO water?

 

[airdog67]

I had no room in my sump for a reactor as well, so I hung on off the side and it works great. IMO the reactor works much better than putting gfo in a bag.

 

[Reefbox]

dose vodka & skim

 

[rmf2007]

There was some hair algae before the new lights, but I think they are accelerating the spread. I do use RO/DI water. I will test again.
Who makes a hang-on reactor and does it run 24/7 until the levels are down?
With dosing, as long as you increase slowly, are there any downfalls?

 

[rmf2007]

Reading from my ri/do was .5 phosphate

 

[Henry Bowman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14937309#post14937309 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rmf2007
Reading from my ri/do was .5 phosphate

THAT ^^^^ is a significant part of the problem. Change the filters and or make sure your filter's DI cartridge is recharged or change all the prefilters and find a way to put the GFO filter in the tank and the algae should slow. You are going to have to remove the algae as it dies off otherwise the PO4 leaches back into the tank.