New tank syndrome in an addition?

reefermadness · #1 09-20-2011, 05:52 PM

All I know is I bought a hanna checker and got 0.00 and tested 3 times. It was a while ago though.....and I know I must have some...but its low.

The hanna p04 checker is +/- .04ppm accuracy. Really not that good considering most people recommend PO4 to be less than .03ppm.

StirCrazy · #2 09-20-2011, 10:02 PM

plus remember the test kits we can afford only measure inorganic phosphate not organic phosphate. so it is quite possible to get 0 phosphate readings but still have phosphate.

as for the rest I agree with Myka 100%

Steve

reefermadness · #3 09-20-2011, 11:50 PM

Are you guys saying I have a nutrient problem?

StirCrazy · #4 09-21-2011, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefermadness

Are you guys saying I have a nutrient problem?

haha, mexican turbo snails will mow down the cotton candy in no time. I had it in plague proportions and they took care of it with in a week.

Steve

Myka · #5 09-21-2011, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefermadness

Are you guys saying I have a nutrient problem?

Yup. If your tank has nuisance algae anywhere...then ya. If you can grow chaeto like no tomorrow...then ya.

Diatoms are essentially the warning flag of problems that are going to arise if something isn't done. If you see diatoms, replace GFO and look at nitrate/phosphate levels and sources. You know the saying, "Fart is [poop]'s warning call."

reefermadness · #6 09-21-2011, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

Yup. If your tank has nuisance algae anywhere...then ya. If you can grow chaeto like no tomorrow...then ya.

Diatoms are essentially the warning flag of problems that are going to arise if something isn't done. If you see diatoms, replace GFO and look at nitrate/phosphate levels and sources. You know the saying, "Fart is [poop]'s warning call."

But if I didnt add the frag tank....I would have no algae to speak of. Hanna didnt register a thing and my NO3 is .2ppm. I run GFO and biopellets....what more can I do besides stop feeding the tank and my corals are all doing so well that I don't think I want to try that. I think I will just wait it out and I have a feeling that everything is going to be fine in the frag tank with-in a month or two.