phosphates?
- Thread starter saltyrich
- Start date
javajoe
Member
what Q means is to make sure you are not introducing MORE phosphates. 2 most common ways to introduce phosphates is overfeeding, and by using tap water for water changes. Most cities put phosphates in your tap water to act as a buffer for dangerous metals that could be ingested from the pipes in your house (lead, etc). If you are doing water changes with tap water, use RO/DI water and test for phosphates 1st to make sure you are not adding more. As a last ditch effort, use a phosphate sponge, which will absorb some of the phosphates in your tank.
reeferkeeper
Member
I agree that water changes, phospahte sponges are a good way to treat the symptoms. But, as I usually say, you need to find the cure. To do that you need to find the cause. As previously stated, over feeding is usually the culprit. Did you also know that dried flaked foods are very high in phosphates? I had a phosphate problem and couldnt figure out why. I didnt think I was over feeding, but turns out I was. Then I had read an article on the high amount of phosphates in dried flaked foods. I cut WAY back on the flaked food and only feed flaked food once a week..the rest of the time I feed live or frozen. Just thought I would share.
eseow
New Member
I agree with the flake food adding phosphates. I had a phosphate level problem in my small saltwater tank. It slowly kept rising and I found out it was the flake food. Easy way to test it is to drop some pieces into a test tube with some purified water, or RO/Di water, and test it with your Phosphate Test kit. 
nm reef
Active Member
1- Control the source
2- Kalkwasser on a regular basis has the ability to help precipitate phosphates from the system
3- Once a month I use kents phosphate sponge for 24-48 hours to futher assist in removal of phosphates(also use carbon for the same time frame)
Phosphates in my system have been non-detectable for well over a year now using the above approach and I use an assortment of OSI flake foods from time to time....but all water is ro/di and I've always taken steps to insure phosphates remain under control.
2- Kalkwasser on a regular basis has the ability to help precipitate phosphates from the system
3- Once a month I use kents phosphate sponge for 24-48 hours to futher assist in removal of phosphates(also use carbon for the same time frame)
Phosphates in my system have been non-detectable for well over a year now using the above approach and I use an assortment of OSI flake foods from time to time....but all water is ro/di and I've always taken steps to insure phosphates remain under control.