Phosphates

I have a phosphate problem and am not sure whats causing it or how to fix it. When I first set up my tank about 6 months ago, I let it mature and then took a water sample before puttinng any fish in. Then took the sample to the pet store where my phosphates were maxed on the chart. They said it was caused by using tap water (which I treated prior to using.) They said that I would be fine getting fish but to switch to RO water and it would eventually lower with water changes. So I have now had it set up for 6 months and fish are doing well. I also have had two anemones for about 2 months and they are doing well also. I took another water sample in after my 6 month had passed just to see how everything was doing. NO2, NO3, and ammonia are all at zero but phosphates are still through the roof (literally, they are higher than the chart can read.) They then said that they only other thing to cause it would be over feeding. I have a hard time believing this cause I only feed every other day to the fish and they eat it all up in about 30 sec - 1 min. I feed the anemones silversides about 2-3 times a week and they sometimes will spit it back up but I will pull it out. Anyone else have any ideas as to what could cause such high levels.

 

Did you switch to RO water? A phosphate reactor will bring the phophate levels down, but that wouldn't address the cause.

 

Yes I switched to RO water. The only time I used tap water was when I initially set it up. Every ounce of water since then has been RO.

 

I used tap water when I first setup, and it took almost 8 months for all the phosphates to drop to zero. A phos reactor is extremely cheap (3littlefishies), and does fairly well.

 

If your initial fill was tap water, and every change since has been using RO/DI--then your phosphates are clearly not coming from your water source (unless your RO/DI is not working).

Frozen food can contain phosphates. If you go thru a lot of carbon, and don't rinse it, that could add phosphates too. Some salt brands supposedly have more phosphates than others, but honestly, I don't see how any of these 3 scenarios could send your phosphates "through the roof" as you put it.

 

Is the LFS tests the only tests ran? They might be using a bad kit... doubt it, but maybe. Did you test yourself or go to a different LFS for a double check on the results?

 

I to was feeding EOD like you and my fish were also eating what looked to be all of it..BUT i was not rinsing the frozen foods before adding.my phoshates to were up there.(tested my ro/di h2o,and other stuff 1st which =`s no phosphtes) so I switched to feeding every 3 days,with rinsing the frozen cubes before and even still I dont just dump it in,add a little at a time...But I would get a 2littlefishes reactor( I did it worked wonders in a couple weeks) while you are testing your tap/make up salt water/additives anything you are adding.they are not coming from no place...also could still be in the system from the fisrt time you used the tap water..

 

Flake food can have a lot of phosphate. Add a phosphate reactor ($ 40.00), that will eliminate (should) all phosphate in about 1-3 weeks. Use a Ferric hydroxide media.

 

Anyone heard of dosing a teaspoon of sugar to the tank to balance phosphates? The guy who sold me a used skimmer today said to put a teaspoon a week in the tank I had to drive an hour to get the skimmer and was pressed for time so I didn't get to discuss this practice and why it works. Got a great deal on an almost new octo 150 for 120$ though...