On going Phosphate issues.. Need some help!

[Myka]

Originally Posted by ashr

My levels:
Calc 300 (My doser stopped working, i usually keep it around 450 so I am getting this back up)
Alk 10-11
Phos .29
SG 1.029

Your parameters are really out of whack. You should be aiming for something close to this:

SG 1.026
Ca 400-420 ppm
Alk 7-9 dKH
Mg 1250-1400 ppm

Since the doser stopped working and calcium dipped so low and alkalinity so high I would be thinking that the algae-covered SPS tips were probably caused by alkalinity swings. Alkalinity swings will PO GSP ime too. Increasing the amount of GFO you're using will cause a bigger alkalinity swing when you replace it. I would be concentrating on getting those levels in the proper range and keeping them consistent before worrying about anything else. Some people get too focused on nitrate and phosphate levels when things are otherwise looking good. Honestly, if your tank runs fine at 0.28 ppm phosphate I would leave it alone.

[ashr]

Originally Posted by Myka

Your parameters are really out of whack. You should be aiming for something close to this:

SG 1.026
Ca 400-420 ppm
Alk 7-9 dKH
Mg 1250-1400 ppm

Since the doser stopped working and calcium dipped so low and alkalinity so high I would be thinking that the algae-covered SPS tips were probably caused by alkalinity swings. Alkalinity swings will PO GSP ime too. Increasing the amount of GFO you're using will cause a bigger alkalinity swing when you replace it. I would be concentrating on getting those levels in the proper range and keeping them consistent before worrying about anything else. Some people get too focused on nitrate and phosphate levels when things are otherwise looking good. Honestly, if your tank runs fine at 0.28 ppm phosphate I would leave it alone.

Great advice.
This is what I was also thinking. Even though I dose a two part it is soo hard to get my levels to ware I want them. Over all my tank usually looks great with no problems. Need to bring that ALK and Mg down a bit and Calc up again.


Thanks

[lastlight]

and make sure none of your test kits are expired. this recently gave me some headaches with my own tank.

[Amadod2]

where can i pick up foz down??

[Myka]

Originally Posted by ashr

Great advice.
This is what I was also thinking. Even though I dose a two part it is soo hard to get my levels to ware I want them. Over all my tank usually looks great with no problems. Need to bring that ALK and Mg down a bit and Calc up again.


Thanks

You're welcome.

You didn't mention a value for Mg, so I assumed you don't test for it. It is a very important part of dosing. Which test kits are you using for each test anyway? How old are they? How do you test SG?

[gregzz4]

Good catch Mindy

[mseepman]

Talk to Nick in kelowna, he carries it in stock.

[ashr]

Originally Posted by Myka

You're welcome.

You didn't mention a value for Mg, so I assumed you don't test for it. It is a very important part of dosing. Which test kits are you using for each test anyway? How old are they? How do you test SG?

Whoops, did I forget it? Its around 1350-1400. I also dose this.

I have bought some Red Sea N03-P04-x as I have heard some good things about this. Any thoughts on the product? I have not started it yet.


My SG is now at 1.026.

[Magickiwi]

Originally Posted by ashr

Whoops, did I forget it? Its around 1350-1400. I also dose this.

I have bought some Red Sea N03-P04-x as I have heard some good things about this. Any thoughts on the product? I have not started it yet.


My SG is now at 1.026.

I've used N03:PO4x and it didn't do much to lower my phosphate levels. It did irritate my LPS to a degree but fish and SPS didn't seem to mind.

[ashr]

Originally Posted by Magickiwi

I've used N03:PO4x and it didn't do much to lower my phosphate levels. It did irritate my LPS to a degree but fish and SPS didn't seem to mind.

Interesting. So the LPS just didnt open as much etc?