Phosphate reading.

I finally got my phosphate test kit in today. Tested my water and it was 0.25. Is that high enough to make corals not open ? And what causes phosphates to get high ? Thanks !!

 

I dont think that would stop the corals from opening but it will eventually cause problems. The cause is most likely excessive feeding so we'll need to know how often and what you feed. A phosphate reactor and some gfo is a very good investment. Also how often do you do water changes?(% of total water volume or how many gallons swapped+total system volume)

 

I was feeding every day. I switched to every other day. I have 6 fish. 55 gallon tank with about 43 total water volume. I did put some Phosguard in my filter today. Hoping that helps. I do about 4 gallons a week water change. About 10%. I dont have a CUC yet. Trying to trade off my valantini puffer so I can order from reef cleaners. I put five big snails in there and he made short work of them.

 

Your feeding doesnt sound excessive. Its possible your rock is leeching phosphates or it could just be lingering high levels that are maintained by the lighter feedings. Your best bet will probably be to do a hefty water change and see how things develop. Ive never ran phosguard so i cant comment on how well it works.

 

I was wondering if youre using tap water during your water changes. If you are that is a source. Also when you feed your fish does the food sit for more than say 30 seconds before its gone? If it does you could slow down the feeding. You really dont want uneaten food breaking down in your tank. Even if your CUC is taking care of it eventually its still leaching while its in your tank.

 

I was feeding daily but i have been feeding same amount but in two feedings,it avoids uneaten food and i also increased water flow in tank to cycle my water quicker thru my sump. Bought phosban reactor and quickly dropped my readings but i dont trust the test kit .i am doing 20% water change weekly.

 

.25 what? What units? .25 ppm is pretty high and can stunt coral growth (upwards of 90%) and of course, cause algae issues.

Mine is .003 ppm, but reads as ppb (3.00 ppb). Randy Holmes recommends values below .03 ppm, so you're 1,000% higher.