I just got a phosphate test kit (because of my disintegrating zoos) and my phosphates are 1.0 ppm.  Since I don't know anything about high phosphates, I don't know what the next step is.  There were so many different options at the store that I didn't know what to get.  Any recommendations?  I'll do a large water change tomorrow, but I assume there is something else I can do short-term and long-term to get the phosphates down.  Also, shouldn't I have bad algae growth all over my tank if my phosphates are high?  My tank, for the most part, is completely free of unwanted algae.

Just so you know, getting a phosphate reactor isn't an option because I don't have the space.  And no, I don't have a protein skimmer.

Well, You answered all of my suggestions that came to my mind before you finished writing.

If you dont have, or want a skimmer, I would reconsider.

Weekly waterchanges sounds like your only option.

Do you have a refugium?

Yes I have a refugium, it's only 10 gallons.  (My tank is 38 gallons.)  Yes I feed too much;  Yes I use RO water; and no, I don't have a high fish load (5 fish).  I do a 10% water change every week. 

The phosphate reactor hanging off the front is not a bad idea.  Bird world has them for sale for $50, is that a good price?  What about phosphate sponge?

WhiteReef wrote: Amie, I searched for 'phosphate reactor' on their site and found the Kent marine one for 34.99 and the part number is FI-KMPR1

Found it, thanks.

Marine depot has a similar product, but a different vendor, and the same price.  One nice thing is that it has a photo of it.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=TL4311 - http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=TL4311

A phosphate reactor is a totally uneccessary piece of equipment. Honestly, truly, no kidding. Don't be led into the hype of buying another piece of equipment.

Using Phosphate remover (Activated Alumina, AA) is no different than using Activated Carbon (AC). Place it in a floss bag in an area of flow (near the return pump) and let it do it's job. Honestly, the ability of AC and AA to pull molecules out of the water is very good without keeping it in a fancy tube which requires another powerhead/piece of equipment.

And to further clarify my point, Tulle/Bridal Viel fabric makes a most excellent floss bag. Pour some AC or AA on a square of fabric, bunch it up and put an elastic around it. Rinse it in a small bucket of RO water and voila'

AA should be removed when it turns a dark tan color. Do not run AA after phosphates are reduced.

I can get AA for real cheap. I have some for Amie.

A phosphate reactor is a totally uneccessary piece of equipment.

I'm starting to think they are quite nice to have.  I'm planning to add one to my tank in June.

Adam

I agree they are nice, but still practically unecessary, especially for a small tank like Amie's where 1/4 lb. of AA in a Tulle bag will work so well.

The important thing about AA is that it should Never be run continuously. Periodically/sporadically is all that is necessary and IMHO, wise.

I found out Thursday that ShaneH may not have needed a PO4 Reactor if he had done more water changes! A bag of AA goes a long way. If one uses a skimmer (or clams) the PO4 is less of a problem. I could go on...

I wonder why Suzy hasn't jumped in here suggesting more Nitrogen to help the Macroalgae remove PO4. Suzy?

Mark and Adam, it's about time you jumped in.  

Activated Alumina sure sounds a lot easier than a reactor.  Is that the same as Ken'ts Phosphate Sponge?  Because that stuff was pretty expensive.  I assume there must be some kind of generic stuff, right?  Is it something that you can buy at the science store in Centerville? 

Just when I think I'm getting a little comfortable with my tank, something else sneeks up and bites me in the butt.  So what else am I missing that no one told me about?  hydrogen reactor?  uranium skimmer?  proton dehydrator?  adamantine defiibrolator?

The reactors are for the granulated iron hydroxide media.  This is the brown "coffee grain" looking media, not the white activated alumina media.  Iron hydroxide has shown a tendency to clump if not fluidized.  The clumping causes channeling through the bed and poor utilization of said media.  The reactor keeps the media fluidized allowing full utilization of the media.

I heard from a certain source that I can get 50 pounds of AA for $50 (can I use your name, Mark?)   50 pounds of AA can go a very long way for me.  Actually, I think I would be happy with maybe 10 pounds.  

I am also going to check into getting a large order of Activated Carbon and CaCO2 (is that right?) from the same wholesale dealer.  Once I get the details, I will start a new post and hope to be able to have everything ready for the next meeting.

So, is anyone else interested in splitting any of these with me?

coolwheels wrote: mark, what brand of AA are good Thanks

There may be only one AA producer in the US. The other producer had an inferior product and may have gone out of business.

There may be only one AA producer in the US.

There are at least three fairly large ones that I know of:  Almatis (used to be Alcoa), UOP (used to be LaRoche) and Poracell .  I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't more.

Recently, I had a high phosphate problem that was taken care of quickly and easily with Kents PO3 sponge.  Of course this was only a 20 gallon tank but it still worked well. 
Mark, why not run it continuosly?  I have on my 20g without any apparent ill effects.  In fact, after water change, new sponge and carbon the acro polyp extension is wonderful.

My warning from Jon Finch was not to decrease too quickly as it may harm the corals which is a good rule of thumb when changing any parameter.

Personally, I would add some sponge now (take it out after a day or two then replace with fresh a couple of days after that and leave in tank) and depending on your need to overfeed you can decide if you need the reactor or if the sponge will take care of the extra phosphate.

John

All this talk has gotten me worried.  I just ordered the Two Little Fishies phosban reactor and the expensive (15$/bottle) iron hydroxide media, and no I am thinking perhaps it is not such a good idea....hmmm.

Why would running this phosban reactor constantly be a bad idea?