Controlling phosphates

[nelix10]

I am new to reef tank! What do I need to do to keep my phosphates low? Preventative maintenance ideas!
Thanks

 

[Rpbustillo]

Ro-do is definitely #1, not over feeding is also a good way to keep levels down.

 

[carey]

Yep, #1 thing is using ro/di water. Also, if you feed frozen you can rinse the food before adding it as the water its frozen in is chock full of phosphates.

 

[nelix10]

Yup I use ro/di, was rinsing frozen food then stopped so will start again!

 

[MarinaClown]

Probably also depends on filtration. If it's not the strongest possible then probably feeding dry food is a good way to avoid overfeeding. I quit feeding frozen food and feed my fish about five 1mm pellets per fish each day. Nitrates have been between 0-10 at the highest. No phosphate problems. Hair algae is gone.

 

[MarinaClown]

Also, keeping bio load on a lighter side. More fish require more food. More food means more fish poop. To me increase in phosphates almost always went hand in hand with increase in nitrates.

 

[nelix10]

I think over feeding the frozen is the source of my problem!
Thanks all

 

[MarinaClown]

Good luck!

 

[Rpbustillo]

I think over feeding the frozen is the source of my problem!
Thanks all

How often do you feed?

 

[nelix10]

Been feeding every day.

 

[nelix10]

But was feeding extra as I was trying to get my trumpet coral fed! Got out of hand for a few days!

 

[Rpbustillo]

I only feed 3 times a week twice with flake and once with frozen. Depending on who you ask feeding most corals is unnecessary, but I feed all of my LPS once a week. I stopped for awhile and I feel I noticed a difference, but that's a debatable subject. I think most though will agree feeding everyday is a bit much, unless you have amazing filtration.

 

[Rpbustillo]

I don't think you mentioned, what are you using for filtration?

 

[nelix10]

Ok so every other day is lots! That's good, I will slow down the feeding! That works for me.

 

[nelix10]

I have a 8 gal sump with a tunze skimmer, also use the bioptim!

 

[Rpbustillo]

I have a 8 gal sump with a tunze skimmer, also use the bioptim!

How big is the display tank and what is it stocked with?

 

[nelix10]

Tank is a 39 gal with 2 clowns, 2 chromis, a gold head goby and a hawkfish!

 

[nelix10]

3 hermits, 2 emerald crab and a shrimp!

 

[Rpbustillo]

Tank is a 39 gal with 2 clowns, 2 chromis, a gold head goby and a hawkfish!

How often do you test your nitrates, you're feeding a lot of fish a lot of food. What is your water change schedule?

 

[nelix10]

Been doing 40% weekly! Nitrates are 5-10!