ksatterf

Tank has been up for about 10 months.

phosphate level keeps creeping up in 29gal biocube. Now id ~.8ppm.
other parms. temp 79.9; SG 1.023; nitrate 0; pH 8.1; calcium 450

I think a couple of my corals are starting to be affected.

Started using RO DI water about 2 weeks ago rather than tap and doing weekly water changes until level is back down to <.1. Just started using fluval Phasphate reducer to help with the reduction.

Feeding primarily in morning with dry pellets, but use mixtyre of frozen foods a couple of times a week. Evening feeding frozen sand eels to animone and most fish consume as well.

Does this sound like a reasonable approach or should I be doing something more?

Thanks

travie

Soak food in RODI water before you feed it. And feed just a little less.

ksatterf

Thanks. I have been soaking the food in tank water. I will start using RO DI water. Will reduce feeding. That's the toughest for me as I am always afraid I will starve.

cerianthus

I seriously doubt such levels will affect any corals. Coral do have symbiotic algae which can utilize some PO4. I kpt numerous corals at much higher levels for close t0 2 decades w/o any ill effects. Not saying let it go up high but dont get too jumpy at such low levels. What kind of corals are showing discomfort by PO4 at that level?
If soaked the foods too long, maybe washing away all the goodies along with PO4!
You could try looking for Resin which will assist in aDsoring/removing PO4 from water to keep it low.

ksatterf

Thanks for the reply.

The corals I am having problems with are a finger leather and from what I'm told some kind of open brain(I have learned I need to be more informed)? I have some star polyps that are going crazy.

I have started some frequent 10-15% water changes on a 3-4 day schedule with very good results. Everything is looking much better now and I am going to try weekly changes.

I also have added some P04 absorbing resin.

Right now, everything looks very good and I am going to try weekly water and filter changes. I soak the food until thawed and pouroff the excess water.

Thanks for the info. I really had no idea what level of P04 to worry about.

Keith

locoyo386

Look into "Turf Filter" and see if that's for you.

ksatterf

Will do. Thanks