bubble algae

[quarryshark]

Been getting some bubble algea and a little hair algae lately which prompted my to test my PO4. I came up with a reading of 0.50-1.00 ppm. I assume this is my problem.
Would running a PO4 sponge effect a cure? Or are there other measures I should be doing like more skimming and cutting back on my feeding. (my fish are pretty fat)
Thanks in advance

 

[Biggen]

The PO4 sponge would help. But I would look for the cause of the PO4 problem in the first place. Overfeeding definitely will increase the phosphorous level in a tank. Also using tap water, or using water that came out of a RO/DI filter that hasn't had its cartridges replaced in a long time could also be a culprit.

 

[quarryshark]

I use r/o water, but ya its been a while...ok never have replaced the filters. 8O Will do that. Also I have read that Instant Ocean is not the best, would a salt change help as well, if so what brand is best??
Tnx

 

[fishfreek]

There have been alot of folks raving over the new Oceanic salt mix.

You could check your water before adding it to the tank for phosphates.

 

[Biggen]

Definitely get on those cartridges. The sediment and carbon filters need to be replaced every 6 months. As for the membrane and DI resin, you really need a TDS meter to determine when those are going. I got my meter on eBay for less than $40.

Like FF said, you could test your IO. I believe they claim there is no PO4 in the mix, as most salt manufactures say this.

I love my Oceanic salt mix. The CA level is super high. It is around 480ppm CA when mixed to a salinity of 35ppt. The Alk is a little lower than I would like, but that can easily be increased in the mixing container.

The reason I changed to Oceanic was because I hated the chronic levels of low Ca in the IO. It never tested over 350ppm of Ca for me when mixed at a salinity of 35ppt.

 

[quarryshark]

I will call my lfs about the Oceanic today. Ca is not a big deal to me yet, mine is a FO tank, but that may change in the future.
I purchased my r/o about 6 months ago, so I guess its due. Will test fresh mix tonight, that should tell me a lot.
Would a skimmer upgrade also help? I get about 1/4 cup a day with my current unit (AE Tech reef devil) . I know its undersized. Any suggestions for a 210 . You can see from my stock below, I have several fish that will get pretty big.

 

[Brisc0]

Look at the aqua-c EV-240 or the next model up, I love those skimmers.

 

[quarryshark]

My LFS is trying to talk me into a HSA model 250 skimmer. its runs $379, not including the pump. He is willing to give me $125 on my reefdevil. Sound like a decent deal? OR is there a cheaper, as good skimmer I could get.