will high phospate levels hurt an anemone?

[saltyESQ]

I am thinking of turning my 24g aqua pod into an anemone tank.

I have high phosphate levels that I really can't control.

 

[Wolfmann81]

Well, phosphate is never something that you want, that is for sure. Phosphate can be fairly easily, over a period of time, be rid from your tank. Water changes (not tap water!!) and if you need to - a little kick of phosban or rowaphos. There is a million articles on each of these products, but basically both of them are good products. I assume you don't use tap water. Tap water is one of the sure-fire ways to INTRODUCE phosphates into your system for sure.

Any other reasons why you can't control the phosphate levels??

 

[picassoman]

Yup RODI is the only water to use. 24 gallons is quite small for any anemone though. Maybe a condy but everything else gets a foot or more. If you plan on it being the only thing in the tank - really hope you do- then it might be okay. Big commitment though.... good luck!

 

[kurtg]

Even my distilled water had 1ppm of phosphate which will build up if you use it for evaporation displacement. RO/DI water is the way to go.

I'd also run a phosphate reactor. If you do, this is the best stuff that I found: "
Two Little Fishies Phosban". My hair algae turns an aqua green and my diatoms mostly disappear. My phosphate levels go undetectable. The ceramic media doesn't last nearly as long and it usually "gums up" which reduces water flow.

What ever media you decide to use, be sure to soak it and flush the reactor with RO/DI water before installing it. Otherwise, you run the risk of a few days of cloudy water.

 

[davocean]

Phosphate wouldn't be the reason I'd say no, I've had mine up to 40ppm a couple years ago w/ no ill affect, but tank size is not good IMO.
Even a small nem that may seem to fit will always be dangerously close to intakes.

 

[Amphiprion]

I have never seen phosphate (or nitrate, for that matter) have any sort of significant impact on anemone health. It is certainly not optimal, but not necessarily harmful, either.

 

[davocean]

Thanks Amphiprion for making me realize I put my nitrate specs(oops)
Anyway, yeah, both no big.