Phosphates
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: SPS
Forum Description: This is the place to ask questions SPS corals.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=7687
Printed Date: November 24 2024 at 8:14am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Phosphates
Posted By: smazzuca_4
Subject: Phosphates
Date Posted: August 12 2005 at 7:58am
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Jello I was just wondering if you guys test for phosphates!
------------- Sam |
Replies:
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: August 12 2005 at 9:09am
Not me, I haven't checked phosphate in my tanks for 10 years. I just grow and harvest algae.
But I think that every new hobbyist should check the phosphate level at least once so they know what their tank looks like at that phosphate level. Then, if the hobbyist is not growing much algae, they should start 
 Why am I so big on Algae?
If you look around, in nature there is more plant life than animal life. It's funny how we totally depend on plants for oxygen and food, but we only seem to notice the animals. 
------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: Shane H
Date Posted: August 12 2005 at 11:44am
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Yeah I check for phosphates. They can be a problem and can really play havoc with sps growth. I didn't test for many years, and started having problems. It turned out to be elevated phosphate levels.
I don't think you should test for phosphate as often as alk and calc, but you should routinely check. I too grow some macro algae in my sump, but not obviously not enough. |
Posted By: Brandon
Date Posted: August 13 2005 at 5:45pm
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If you don't go the Macro Algae route, make sure that you are checking for phosphates, and I would pick up a phosban reactor. A lot of the tanks that I have heard about and seen that run phosban, are doing amazing. If your phosphates are too high, you get retarded coral growth, basically the same thing that Shane was saying about SPS growth. They are cheap like $40 bucks, and I believe you'll see a difference. Either way, that is my opinion. Both algae and the reactor would be preferred in my mind though. Brandon |
Posted By: Suzy
Date Posted: August 14 2005 at 7:01am
| I check weekly for PO4 and NO3. |