I started measuring PO 4 in my tank about 2 weeks ago. I am using the BRS Dual reactor for phosphate and carbon. My phosphate measurements have been pretty erratic from 0 to .02 and then to 0 followed by .04, .02 and 0 again. I just wondering what everyone else's experience is . I'm using a Hanna checker so I think it's pretty accurate and I do the test the same way every time....any thoughts?
Phosphates
- Thread starter Barch
- Start date
sen5241b
Reef enthusiast
- Location
- Arlington VA
phosphate levels will vary. Keep'em < 0.03 ppm
0.1 ppm is when they will start seriously damaging corals
Also fluctuating chem levels usually means you need a water change.
0.1 ppm is when they will start seriously damaging corals
Also fluctuating chem levels usually means you need a water change.
Last edited:
Smitty
Reef pro
- Location
- Chicago/Oaklawn IL
+! Sen....all parameters are constantly changing, but a water change will help balance them out.
the last water change was 10 days ago. I have been slowly spreading out the water changes to every 2 weeks. All the other parameters have been really consistent and there have been no water changes during the testing. I was surprised to see both + and - results during the time period....does this make sense?
Smitty
Reef pro
- Location
- Chicago/Oaklawn IL
What are you feeding the tank, some foods are known to have phosphates in them... like pellets and flakes. Also, are you using ro/di water?
Smitty
Reef pro
- Location
- Chicago/Oaklawn IL
Well, sounds like you're doing the right thing there... it is possible that your rocks or sand could be leaching phosphates. You can try running some gfo.
