Phosphate and calcium levels

I measured both for the first time yesterday:

Phos - .25
Calcium - 425

What do you make of these levels? I am FOWLR for the time being. Would corals be OK with these readings, or is it something I should aim to change when I get corals?

PS I did start my GFO reactor up again today.

 

the levels you check, calcium and phosphate will only give you a very small picture of what you need to know prior to doing anything.

Phosphates should be zero and the problem with tests that are not colorometer (I am assuming you are using a drip test like API or something like that) is that they can give an inaccurate reading if you have algea in your tank. You can keep things with a phosphate elevated but will notice more algea and browning of your corals. I would recommend adding a type of phosphate media to your tank (will be able to help more once more info recieved)

as far as calcium that is a good level, right in the normal range.

Now as far as the other stuff you need to know to keep a reef tank:
there are a certain number of test that you will have to check
a. alkalinity. I find this one of the most important levels to monitor in my tank and one of the hardest to maintain. A good level is between 8-12 though I like to keep mine around 11-13.
b. magnesium: magnesium and calcium kind of go together. If one is low then the corals can start to pull out and use the other one many times, but both should be kept wnl for best success.
c. nitrates, ph and ammonia. I am assuming that since you are FOWL your nitrates normally run high (I dont worry about my nitrates as much in my FOWL tanks) however in reef tanks you need to keep nitrates as low as possible Zero is ideal however that is hard to do but goal should be as low as possible. Ammonia should be zero period and always. Fish can handle elevated nitrates better than they can ammonia. An elevated ammonia will kill your fish
d: what size of your tank, flow, and lights. What type of corals are you looking at keeping?

Good luck, it sounds like a lot to know however it is best to have this info prior to giving any further advice on corals etc.

 

Thanks for the info--my nitrates usually run between 10 and 20. For corals, I don't want to keep anything real difficult. Yes, I used the API drip test for the phosphate. However, right now there is no algae in the tank as it was a change over from my 30g. So my 65 has only been up a week. I have some algae in my fuge, but none in my DT (yet).