Do I need a Phosban reactor

[dfm34]

So here is my question I just added my first SPS my tank always tested 0 for PO4 my fudge is full of algae so I am sure they are eating up the PO4's. My DT gets a green film on the glass and I have to clean it every two days or so. I am thinking of adding a phosban reactor but I am concerned about a few things. Since I am testing 0 will it be a waste of $$, Don't SPS need some nutrients in the water and will it kill the algae in my fudge and therefore cause more PO4's? I hope these are not stupid ???
Thanks

 

[groupergenius]

I don't think SPS need phoshpates. Also I have noticed that different tests vary in ability to detect phosphates in the water. My API shows 0 but my salifert shows .1

 

[trippkid]

I don't use one in my tank. I have one, but more of a pain to me than worth the $ to maintain. It would always get clogged up, mainly because of the slow flow rates through the units. Now I use either Phosphate Control from Blue Life or Phosphat R from Brightwell Aquatics, when there is a detectable amt. I have to clean my glass about every 3rd day or so, I don't have that many snails(maybe 12-15 total) to clean the glass. If I got some more, I'm sure they would take care of it, they tend to knock over new frags though, so I think I'll just keep what I have. Just my 2 cents.

Matt

 

[dfm34]

I use Salifert and it is always 0 I guess what I need to know is if I put one on will it hurt even if I have low to no PO4's? I can get a used one cheap.

 

[trippkid]

No, it won't hurt a thing, just get clogged up.

Matt

 

[saltn00b]

if you test 0 , why do you want one? the green algae on the glass that you have to scrape? that is corraline and other algae that is part of keeping a SW tank. if stuff didnt grow on the glass, you would have a big problem.

 

[dfm34]

Originally Posted by saltn00b
if you test 0 , why do you want one? the green algae on the glass that you have to scrape? that is corraline and other algae that is part of keeping a SW tank. if stuff didnt grow on the glass, you would have a big problem.
I guess that is my point I know it's not corraline but I have read a few posts about PO4 tests being usless because the other algee is eating them so even if you test 0 you still may have an issue. I am trying to keep the water as pristine as poss for the SPS I am putting in.

 

[trippkid]

Originally Posted by dfm34
I guess that is my point I know it's not corraline but I have read a few posts about PO4 tests being usless because the other algee is eating them so even if you test 0 you still may have an issue. I am trying to keep the water as pristine as poss for the SPS I am putting in.
The easiest way to do that is NO FISH and don't feed the tank. Good husbandry practices and WC's with a good salt and water, is all that should be needed to keep water good. Again, just my 2 cents, I'm sure others may disagree. Good equipment also.

Matt

 

[bgrae001]

Originally Posted by dfm34
I guess that is my point I know it's not corraline but I have read a few posts about PO4 tests being usless because the other algee is eating them so even if you test 0 you still may have an issue. I am trying to keep the water as pristine as poss for the SPS I am putting in.
Test the water you use for water changes and see what your PO4 is reading. I've found that when I tested the water before I added it to my tank my PO4 was higher than the water in my DT. I added a second DI filter to my RO unit and dropped the PO4 before it even went into the DT and now I have virtually no nuisance algae in my tank and I can use a slight algae bloom as an indicator to when its time to change my filters in my DI unit.

 

[groupergenius]

Originally Posted by trippkid
The easiest way to do that is NO FISH and don't feed the tank. Good husbandry practices and WC's with a good salt and water, is all that should be needed to keep water good. Again, just my 2 cents, I'm sure others may disagree. Good equipment also.

Matt
OK, I'll be the first to disagree.

My 15 gallon frag tank has been nothing but corals. Mostly SPS and I started having algae problems after the first 2 months. WC every 3 weeks with Tropic Marine Pro Reef, 10 astrea snails, numerous stomatellas, and a dozen blue legs. I put a Phosban reactor on it and BAM. No more algae. I did however recently find that my RO/DI water supplier still had PO4 in it.

I now have my own RO/DI unit that I can monitor.

 

[trippkid]

Originally Posted by GrouperGenius
OK, I'll be the first to disagree.

I did however recently find that my RO/DI water supplier still had PO4 in it.

I now have my own RO/DI unit that I can monitor.

Not trying to start anything, but I think you may have found your problem.

So I guess good water to me is-knowing it is free from unwanted nutrients, RO/DI all the way, zero TDS is a good start.
Good husbandry practices- weekly WC's or bi-weekly at the most and cleaning all filters(socks,pads,sponges,etc.) regularly. And, when you see a problem, it may already be on the late side, but take care of it ASAP, find the problem and fix. Sorry Grouper I'm not trying to attack you, I hope you don't feel like that, just thought I should clarify some of what I posted earlier. There are many different ways to get the same result in this hobby, nobody is 100% right 100% of the time, I know I'm not.

Matt

 

[groupergenius]

Originally Posted by trippkid
Not trying to start anything, but I think you may have found your problem.

So I guess good water to me is-knowing it is free from unwanted nutrients, RO/DI all the way, zero TDS is a good start.
Good husbandry practices- weekly WC's or bi-weekly at the most and cleaning all filters(socks,pads,sponges,etc.) regularly. And, when you see a problem, it may already be on the late side, but take care of it ASAP, find the problem and fix. Sorry Grouper I'm not trying to attack you, I hope you don't feel like that, just thought I should clarify some of what I posted earlier. There are many different ways to get the same result in this hobby, nobody is 100% right 100% of the time, I know I'm not.

Matt
Takes a lot more than that to get under my skin.

Yep, as I was saying, it was the water going in the tank. I think the quality of water (or lack thereof) going in is more of a contributing factor for algae production than over-feeding and light.

 

[trippkid]

Originally Posted by GrouperGenius
Takes a lot more than that to get under my skin.

Yep, as I was saying, it was the water going in the tank. I think the quality of water (or lack thereof) going in is more of a contributing factor for algae production than over-feeding and light.
Rock on , thanks for being cool about that.

Some are a little thinnner skinned than others. I guess my point is, you don't need all the bells and whistles to have a successful SPS tank, maybe just a little more attention to the details.
Matt