Phosphate Reduction

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by WarDog

As per my comment in another thread.

Get a Hanna Phosphorus Checker (HC - HI736) for Phosphate (take the result, multiple by 3.066, then divide by 1000). This is the most accurate tester for Phosphate...

oh, and also rinse the mysis after defrosting, and discard the liquid.

...and pretty much everything Mindy said too, lol!

Thanks Warren!!

Mindy is my go to! Always answers my dumb questions or tank disaster solutions.

[Myka]

If PO4 is 2 ppm the HI736 ULR Phosphorus checker won't read that high - it only goes to 0.6 ppm (200 ppb). The HI713 LR Phosphate checker may be a better option as it goes up to 2.5 ppm (this one is frickin annoying though because it only displays the result for 10 seconds before it turns off grrr).

Originally Posted by Scythanith

lol.... manipulate the bag...

Perv.

[DKoKoMan]

I got what you meant Mindy! I think when I get home I will hit the LFS and get them to test the water as well for a second opinion. Seems like PO4 is really high on the test but it didn't reflect looking at the tank.

1 more day and I will be able to get it sorted out.

FTR - some nice diving around Maui (Lanai, Molakai, Molkini). Lots of different fish out and about and was fortunate enough to see lots of the whales

[Myka]

Originally Posted by DKoKoMan

FTR - some nice diving around Maui (Lanai, Molakai, Molkini). Lots of different fish out and about and was fortunate enough to see lots of the whales

Please make a thread with dive pics/vids!

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by DKoKoMan

Where can I get Foz Down?

Marine Experience sells it locally, AI may now as well.

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

Marine Experience sells it locally, AI may now as well.

Haven't been over to Neil's in a bit, that will make my life a lot easier to pick it up locally.

[hunggi74]

The ULR Hanna phosphorus checker turns off after 10 seconds of displaying the results as well. There's a video on YouTube by Marine Depot that guides you through the process. I find if the vial is not cleaned well you will get results that swing dramatically. If you get this test rinse the glass vial well with vinegar water and a brush and you will get a more consistent reading.
I would use Foz Down if your PO4 level is indeed at 2ppm. Much more economical option than reactors and media.
Lastly, don't use API test kits. They're not very reliable/accurate.
Good luck.

[shiftline]

I picked up an ultrasonic cleaner for my airbrush and learned it works well for cleaning test vials as well !


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[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by hunggi74

The ULR Hanna phosphorus checker turns off after 10 seconds of displaying the results as well. There's a video on YouTube by Marine Depot that guides you through the process. I find if the vial is not cleaned well you will get results that swing dramatically. If you get this test rinse the glass vial well with vinegar water and a brush and you will get a more consistent reading.
I would use Foz Down if your PO4 level is indeed at 2ppm. Much more economical option than reactors and media.
Lastly, don't use API test kits. They're not very reliable/accurate.
Good luck.

Had the LFS yet my water today and my phosphates were confirmed to be 2ppm Not good (shakes head in disgust), I'm not sure where it spiralled off but I'm on it. Will be doing a water change in the next couple days (blasting rocks and cleaning sand), as well I picked up some Foz Down and dosed the first round.

Once I get the phosphates down close to zero I'm looking at running GFO or Biopellets in a reactor. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what they are using which is working at successfully keeping phosphates and nitrates down. I also picked up a Salifert PO4 test kit (hopefully this will get me by) until I can get a Hanna checker.

I have noticed some of my SPS starting to STN and found 2 frags which got knocked down on the sand bed (birds of paradise and green Acro). Unfortunately these were only skeletons upon my return from vacation. All the fish seem to be happy still. Did a major algae cleaning in the DT and restocked CUC. On another note I observed the overflow to have a large amount of hair algae that I will have to get rid of during my water change.

***stay tuned and crossing my fingers that my tank doesn't crash***

[Myka]

Yikes! Could you cover the overflow with a black acrylic lid? I get them made at a plastics shop here, costs about $10.

Maintenance, stocking, and feeding techniques can keep NO3 and PO4 at close to zero levels, but not everyone wants to follow that method. Biopellets are a good option - they work just fine in a TLF reactor. Most of the issues with biopellets are when people use too many. A lot of tanks that need biopellets also need GFO. I prefer biopellets over liquid carbon dosing (vodka/vinegar/NOPOX/etc) because there is less chance of bacteria film IME.

Originally Posted by hunggi74

The ULR Hanna phosphorus checker turns off after 10 seconds of displaying the results as well.

The ULR ones I've used stay on for at least a minute or two. I've not come across an ULR that turned off at 10 secs, just the LR. That's weird that they would be different. How old is yours?