Phosphate Question

[packman9111]

I have been trying to reduce my phosphate for several weeks. I have been using a phosphate reducer recomended by my lfs (probably because it's the only one they carry) w/o much success. I'm using R/O DI, so don't think the source water is problem. I may be overfeeding - I only have two clowns atm and haven't worried too much thinking that hermits would take care of leftovers. Detritus could be the problem and don't have a real good way to remove it. I'm considering a diatom filter so I can stir it up and filter it out. Also planning to switch to Phosban which has been recommened on this forum. My main question is - does phosphate harm critters? Is it a concern when I want to add softies?

All other levels are fine althought I struggle to keep PH up.

Thanks - Rick

26 gal bowfront
aqua c remora
50 lbs fiji rock
Penguin 550 PH
135watt pc

 

[LCGoldman]

Yoiu're wise to get rid of the phosphates... I am using Phosban in a Phosban reactor (from Two Little Fishes)... in a few days, my phosphates went down to zero.

 

[Anonymous]

Are you feeding flake food? And what is your phosphate level?

 

[packman9111]

Omega One Flake
Level = >1.0

 

[packman9111]

Omega One Flake
Level = >1.0

 

[Anonymous]

Flake food, as I understand it, keeps phosphates alive and kickin' in the tank. Phosphate at a level of 1 ppm is too high...I suggest easing up on feeding and doing a few water changes to see if your phosphate level falls.

Do you happen to have a TDS meter to check your RO/DI water?

 

[Anonymous]

Switch to frozen food, anywa...it's better for your fish. Mysis, cyclopeeze, finely chopped clam or krill...much much better than flake.

ROWAPhos is a good reducer of phosphates. If all else fails, try it out.

Peace,

Chip

 

[Anonymous]

I have uses Phosphate Sponge in the past with very good results.

 

[Modo]

I second the Rowaphos suggestion. I'm using it currently and like it.

 

[Fastmarc]

I have found flake food, granules, etc. to be the biggest contributor to phosphates.
I abandoned them a while back and made my own food.
Phosphates went away and haven't returned.

 

[Juck]

Change to frozen, fresh or live foods for a couple of weeks and retest for phosphates,, at least then you'll know if it's the food that's causing the problem.

You're doing the right thing by dealing with this now, before your tank turns into a hair-algae nightmare,, which I wouldn't wish on anyone.

 

[ricky1414]

I might be ignorant in regards to some aspects of water chemistry, but can't you drip kalk to precipitate the po4, and then skim, skim, skim?

 

[Mouse]

Three here for the ROWAPhos. love it.

The best thing ive found with it is you can use as much as you like, and just replace it when it gets full.

 

[packman9111]

after feeding frozen this week, considerable drop in phosphate. i was considering buying a phosban reactor, now not sure I need it. We're talking around .2 today.

 

[packman9111]

So, if ROWAPhos seems to be the product of choice, and since I don't have a sump and am considering getting rid of the h.o.t. filter, could it be used with the phosban reactor???

 

[Alex9421]

Im using phosban in a phosban reactor, my phosphates went from 0.25-0.5 to undectable in 2 days. I dont think there is much difference between the 2 products. ROWAphos maybe slightly more effective but also costs a lot more.