High Phosphates

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.