Switched to BRS GFO--PO4 Dropping Too Fast for Zoos?

[daddy2kids]

I recently switched to BRS GFO (from PhosLock) and my phosphates dropped from 0.261 ppm to 0.067 ppm in less than a week (measured with Hanna Phosphorus Meter). Is this too fast for Zoos? My Zoos look ok so far, but one of my acans is darkening a little and not puffy any more.

My phosphates had always measured around 0.2 ppm, which seemed fine for my tank. I have a bunch of softies--zoos, favia, acans, etc. (full list is below), which did great, and my chaeto seemed to out-compete most algaes (I rarely have to scrape my glass of anything except coralline).

I have never looked at SPS, and I'm really not interested in zero PO4 if it means I lose all my awesome softies.

Phosphorus and PO4:
3/21 71 ppb 0.218 ppm
3/24 77 ppb 0.236 ppm
3/31 85 ppb 0.261 ppm
Added 10 Tblsp BRS GFO on 3/31
4/1 50 ppb 0.153 ppm
4/3 37 ppb 0.113 ppm
4/5 22 ppb 0.067 ppm

Is this too fast for Zoos? Do I need to back off? At this rate, I will be at zero PO4 in a week.

Thanks everyone!
Sean

 

[howze01]

I would say that you should be OK.
One question, if all was going well why did you add the GFO?

 

[daddy2kids]

I had been using PhosLock and thought I was simply switching brands to BRS brand. I had been using 6 Tbls of PhosLock twice per month, to the 10 Tbls that BRS suggested seemed reasonable to me. The fast slam down of PO4 took me completely by surprise.

 

[Falcao]

I could not tell you if it is good or not(the switch). The BRS is pretty good I think compare to the other stuff out in the market. I hardy have to deal with any algae problems. Is it normal not to use GFO in tanks with OAS?

 

[johnny]

I had a bad problem when switching from cheapo carbon to brs... I didnt realize how strong it was and ended up hurting my zoas and bleaching a lot of my sps. Rigleyautomotive suggested I add phyto, a large bottle of that got everything back on track.

Nick