Cannot get phosphates down

I've been using GFO in my BRS reactor for a month now and my phosphates will not budge below .20. How long do I have to wait until the GFO kicks in? I heard there will be no coralline growth until phosphates are under control--I'm sick of looking at brown and grey rocks!

 

how much gfo did you put in and what kind pellets, granulated ?

 

I put in around 10 tablespoons for my 65g with 29g sump and I'm using granulated.

 

Something doesn't sound right. After a month using a gfo reactor your po4 should be .0 What test are you using? What and how are you feeding?

 

ok that might be the problem here's the brs calculator

calls for about 1.25 of a cup
www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/reef-calculator

 

I'm using API test kit and was told the BRS calculator was way too much--that I could cut it almost in half.

 

i don't know?? the instuctions for freshwater calls for half the amount of saltwater. that maybe where the confusion comes from, i use there calu and it worked great for me in another type reactor, all tanks are different, some may not require as much or maybe more than others. you can safely add a little ata time until you see the result you want. are you using ro/di water when you do water changes ?

 

Phosphates will not reduce until the cause is found. You might have rocks leaching it, you could be over feeding, or, like I found out today, your salt mix might contain some. A PO4 reading of .2 on an API kit is bad. I'd get another test kit and redo the test. Also, remove any algae you can by hand, as it feeds from it. This will allow you to get a more accurate PO4 number.

Cutting the GFO dose in half to start is suggested if you have hard corals...as not to shock them. After a month, you can gradually go up to the full dose. Remember to change out the GFO every 3 weeks at least...for your situation, you might be better served to change it every 2 weeks.

 

Sounds good--I will swap out the GFO more often and find a better test kit. Any suggestions?

I only feed once a day and the food is usually consumed within a couple minutes.

 

the hanna 713 tester great