Phosphates?

iridude · 06/23/2020, 09:50 AM

I did a test yesterday and my phosphates where 0.07 and added a phosban reactor with Rowaphos. Did a test today and mow 0.05. How long before it goes to 0.02 my target? I used about 11 tbsp of rowaphos.I have about 60 gal of water.

Sk8r · 06/23/2020, 09:53 AM

Depends, for one thing, on where it's coming from. From your tap water? could be a short time. From rock or sand leaching it out continually? Could be a long haul.

bertoni · 06/23/2020, 12:11 PM

If the test is accurate, the media might be exhausted. If the number doesn't drop in the next 12-24 hours, I'd replace it.

I agree that the sand and rock might leach phosphate for quite a long time. If the GFO starts to get expensive, lanthanum chloride products like SeaKlear can save some money, although they are more annoying to use.

iridude · 06/23/2020, 05:20 PM

I just added the reactor yesterday. I do have phosphate rx but I heard shouldn’t use this long term

bertoni · 06/23/2020, 06:48 PM

Phosphate RX seems to be a lanthanum chloride product. It's usually safe enough if used with a 5-10 micron filter to catch the precipitate. A number of people have used it long-term, although dealing with the filter sock is a bit of a time sink.

iridude · 06/25/2020, 05:11 AM

I did a water change and now my phosphates are 0.9. I am using RO/DI water and 0 tds. Could it be salt mix? Or food? The reactor not working correctly? I am using the Hanna ULR by the way for testing

Member No. 1 · 06/25/2020, 06:46 AM

Not sure the Hanna will check RO/DI for phosphates, you could try, but you could certanily check a fresh batch of mixed salt water. That would give a good indication of a possible source.

What type of food are you feeding, how much, how often?

iridude · 06/25/2020, 07:58 AM

Feeding silversides and flakes every other day not a lot. I only have clown but just added falco, goby and pistol

hhaase · 06/25/2020, 08:46 AM

How long has your tank been established, and what kind of substrate and rock situation do you have? How much rock? Dry rock? Live rock from another tank? How deep and how fine/course is your substrate?

Member #1 already suggested my next course of action, which is to test your fresh salt mix for phosphates. Removing it is one thing, but you also need to determine the initial source. You're either adding it in during water changes, or it's already present in the tank either in the rock/substrate.

iridude · 06/25/2020, 11:53 AM

40 lbs of dry rock from macro rocks; tank has been setup 2 months ago. Substrate I think caribsea sand like 2"

here is my reactor is this too slow? fast? or good?

https://www.facebook.com/thomas.mcca...4771800292365/

Member No. 1 · 06/25/2020, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iridude

40 lbs of dry rock from macro rocks; tank has been setup 2 months ago. Substrate I think caribsea sand like 2"

here is my reactor is this too slow? fast? or good?

https://www.facebook.com/thomas.mcca...4771800292365/

Bingo! I used Marco dry rocks on a build, nothing but hair algae for months. Then once the rocks slimmed over, the phosphates stopped leaching, the algae went away.

Search phosphates and Marco rock.

Here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=phos...hrome&ie=UTF-8

hhaase · 06/25/2020, 11:59 AM

Unfortunately I can't watch the video, I'm not on Facebook, but reactor speed is only part of a larger picture.

First thing first is to find the source of the phosphates. On a 2 month old tank, assuming you're not over-feeding, phosphates shouldn't be an issue yet. You really need to check your freshly mixed water BEFORE adding it to the tank.

Also, what's your water change schedule?

Member No. 1 · 06/25/2020, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hhaase

Unfortunately I can't watch the video, I'm not on Facebook, but reactor speed is only part of a larger picture.

First thing first is to find the source of the phosphates. On a 2 month old tank, assuming you're not over-feeding, phosphates shouldn't be an issue yet. You really need to check your freshly mixed water BEFORE adding it to the tank.

Also, what's your water change schedule?

hhaase, the OP stated his tank is 2 months old, and he used Marco rock. See my previous reply with links. I tend to believe that's where his phosphate problem is coming from.

hhaase · 06/25/2020, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Member No. 1

hhaase, the OP stated his tank is 2 months old, and he used Marco rock. See my previous reply with links. I tend to believe that's where his phosphate problem is coming from.

That's my guess as well. I'm just thorough and like to eliminate possibilities.

-Hans

Member No. 1 · 06/25/2020, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hhaase

That's my guess as well. I'm just thorough and like to eliminate possibilities.

-Hans

Gotcha!

iridude · 07/02/2020, 05:14 PM

I am confused am using the Innovative Marine reactor with Rowaphos and my phosphates levels not decreasing. I used Phosphate Rx and now my phosphates reading 0.04. I have this in back of my red sea tank. Could it be location? Perhaps if I move it to another location I get better results? I guess I bought the wrong reactor and should of got Spectrapure Duel or another reactor this one I can test the output of reactor which stinks so I don't know if its working or not. Any suggestions?

bertoni · 07/02/2020, 05:42 PM

You might be having a testing problem. That's fairly close to the detection limit of the Hanna meter, and we do get reports of reagent troubles. I might try measuring some freshly-mixed saltwater.

How much media is in the reactor, and how many gallons of water are in the tank?

iridude · 07/02/2020, 06:24 PM

156ml Rowaphos and tank is 60 gallons roughly. I tested fresh saltwater mix and phosphates read 0.00.

iridude · 07/02/2020, 06:29 PM

I think my rock for sure is leaking phosphates. I had an algae issue really bad and bleached the rock and now it's a lot better keeping algae down. I am getting frustrated maybe get better rock like from Tampa Bay Saltwater maybe cure this, i don't know. I did get a very high reading from ATI lab was 0.17 phosphate and Phosphorus a whopping 55. Phosphorus I am unsure if that is basically the same thing or not.

iridude · 07/02/2020, 06:30 PM

Also had aluminum issue according to ATI test and could be because I was using Phosguard. I dont use that any longer

bertoni · 07/02/2020, 09:06 PM

You could try ramping up the amount of GFO. That might get costly over time, but the media can be exhausted in a few hours if the live rock is leaching rapidly enough. Something like SeaKlear might save a lot of money, but it is best used with a filter sock, which is more work. The cost is very low, though.

iridude · 07/02/2020, 09:20 PM

In time it will get better if it's leeching from the rock correct? Phosphate RX is dangerous correct?

bertoni · 07/03/2020, 12:41 AM

Eventually, the rock will leach all that it can, but that could take quite a while.

As far as I can tell, Phosphate RX is a lanthanum chloride solution. Some people have had problems with tangs or other fish that are exposed to the precipitate, so it has some danger to it, but that seems to be manageable.

Vinny Kreyling · 07/03/2020, 08:17 AM

there is NOTHING wrong with a reading of 0.04.
Many nice tanks run higher.

Uncle99 · 07/09/2020, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling

there is NOTHING wrong with a reading of 0.04.
Many nice tanks run higher.

Yah!
Good for you.
I’m .1 for 35 months.

OP....stop wasting your money

06/23/2020, 09:53 AM	#2
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Depends, for one thing, on where it's coming from. From your tap water? could be a short time. From rock or sand leaching it out continually? Could be a long haul. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

06/23/2020, 12:11 PM	#3
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	If the test is accurate, the media might be exhausted. If the number doesn't drop in the next 12-24 hours, I'd replace it. I agree that the sand and rock might leach phosphate for quite a long time. If the GFO starts to get expensive, lanthanum chloride products like SeaKlear can save some money, although they are more annoying to use. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

06/23/2020, 06:48 PM	#5
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	Phosphate RX seems to be a lanthanum chloride product. It's usually safe enough if used with a 5-10 micron filter to catch the precipitate. A number of people have used it long-term, although dealing with the filter sock is a bit of a time sink. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

06/25/2020, 06:46 AM	#7
Member No. 1 Ver. 2.1 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rehoboth, MA Posts: 1,803	Not sure the Hanna will check RO/DI for phosphates, you could try, but you could certanily check a fresh batch of mixed salt water. That would give a good indication of a possible source. What type of food are you feeding, how much, how often? __________________ Pete "I never make mistakes... I thought I did once, but I was wrong" Current Tank Info: In the process - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2661614

06/25/2020, 08:46 AM	#9
hhaase Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Dakota Posts: 368	How long has your tank been established, and what kind of substrate and rock situation do you have? How much rock? Dry rock? Live rock from another tank? How deep and how fine/course is your substrate? Member #1 already suggested my next course of action, which is to test your fresh salt mix for phosphates. Removing it is one thing, but you also need to determine the initial source. You're either adding it in during water changes, or it's already present in the tank either in the rock/substrate. __________________ This hobby would be easier if my local stores had more fish. https://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2701233 Current Tank Info: Slowly stocking up 150 gallons, only a little livestock right now.

06/23/2020, 09:50 AM	#1
iridude Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 38	Phosphates? I did a test yesterday and my phosphates where 0.07 and added a phosban reactor with Rowaphos. Did a test today and mow 0.05. How long before it goes to 0.02 my target? I used about 11 tbsp of rowaphos.I have about 60 gal of water.

06/23/2020, 05:20 PM	#4
iridude Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 38	I just added the reactor yesterday. I do have phosphate rx but I heard shouldn’t use this long term

06/25/2020, 05:11 AM	#6
iridude Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 38	I did a water change and now my phosphates are 0.9. I am using RO/DI water and 0 tds. Could it be salt mix? Or food? The reactor not working correctly? I am using the Hanna ULR by the way for testing

06/25/2020, 07:58 AM	#8
iridude Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 38	Feeding silversides and flakes every other day not a lot. I only have clown but just added falco, goby and pistol

06/25/2020, 11:53 AM	#10
iridude Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 38	40 lbs of dry rock from macro rocks; tank has been setup 2 months ago. Substrate I think caribsea sand like 2" here is my reactor is this too slow? fast? or good? https://www.facebook.com/thomas.mcca...4771800292365/

06/25/2020, 11:59 AM	#12
hhaase Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Dakota Posts: 368	Unfortunately I can't watch the video, I'm not on Facebook, but reactor speed is only part of a larger picture. First thing first is to find the source of the phosphates. On a 2 month old tank, assuming you're not over-feeding, phosphates shouldn't be an issue yet. You really need to check your freshly mixed water BEFORE adding it to the tank. Also, what's your water change schedule? __________________ This hobby would be easier if my local stores had more fish. https://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2701233 Current Tank Info: Slowly stocking up 150 gallons, only a little livestock right now.

07/02/2020, 05:14 PM	#16
iridude Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 38	I am confused am using the Innovative Marine reactor with Rowaphos and my phosphates levels not decreasing. I used Phosphate Rx and now my phosphates reading 0.04. I have this in back of my red sea tank. Could it be location? Perhaps if I move it to another location I get better results? I guess I bought the wrong reactor and should of got Spectrapure Duel or another reactor this one I can test the output of reactor which stinks so I don't know if its working or not. Any suggestions?

07/02/2020, 05:42 PM	#17
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	You might be having a testing problem. That's fairly close to the detection limit of the Hanna meter, and we do get reports of reagent troubles. I might try measuring some freshly-mixed saltwater. How much media is in the reactor, and how many gallons of water are in the tank? __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

07/02/2020, 06:24 PM	#18
iridude Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 38	156ml Rowaphos and tank is 60 gallons roughly. I tested fresh saltwater mix and phosphates read 0.00.

07/02/2020, 06:29 PM	#19
iridude Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 38	I think my rock for sure is leaking phosphates. I had an algae issue really bad and bleached the rock and now it's a lot better keeping algae down. I am getting frustrated maybe get better rock like from Tampa Bay Saltwater maybe cure this, i don't know. I did get a very high reading from ATI lab was 0.17 phosphate and Phosphorus a whopping 55. Phosphorus I am unsure if that is basically the same thing or not.

07/02/2020, 06:30 PM	#20
iridude Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 38	Also had aluminum issue according to ATI test and could be because I was using Phosguard. I dont use that any longer

07/02/2020, 09:06 PM	#21
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	You could try ramping up the amount of GFO. That might get costly over time, but the media can be exhausted in a few hours if the live rock is leaching rapidly enough. Something like SeaKlear might save a lot of money, but it is best used with a filter sock, which is more work. The cost is very low, though. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

07/02/2020, 09:20 PM	#22
iridude Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 38	In time it will get better if it's leeching from the rock correct? Phosphate RX is dangerous correct?

07/03/2020, 12:41 AM	#23
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	Eventually, the rock will leach all that it can, but that could take quite a while. As far as I can tell, Phosphate RX is a lanthanum chloride solution. Some people have had problems with tangs or other fish that are exposed to the precipitate, so it has some danger to it, but that seems to be manageable. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

07/03/2020, 08:17 AM	#24
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	there is NOTHING wrong with a reading of 0.04. Many nice tanks run higher. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.