Tapwater report - Aquarium Advice

Scoot · 08-03-2006, 11:27 AM

This is from our Metro Utilities District:

Phosphate ppm <0.05 0.52 0.56
Silica ppm 7.8 25.3 32.1
Dissolved Solids
(total, calculated) ppm 439 404 574
Alkalinity (total) as CaCO3 ppm 84 139 264

Each of the three numbers represent which water plant is being tested - I'm not sure which we're on.

Are those phostphate and silica numbers high for somebody not using RO/DI? I'm treating with Prime at the moment, but have been fighting cyano, and even with water changes its not getting better.

**Devilishturtles** · 08-03-2006, 04:30 PM

I don't know about the silica, but the phosphate definitley is. It may be all of your problem too. I know alot of people here has used Phosguard (or some other brand of phosphate remover) and it has helped immensely.

HTH

Scoot · 08-03-2006, 04:42 PM

I still can't get a reading from the tank - the color matches the FW test, not SW, at 0.5.

I have a couple phosphate pads coming, that are supposed to absorbe quite a bit pretty fast. We'll see if it helps.

This sucks to be happening now, since I've moved off the HOB filter, and my nitrates are starting to approach zero (or they could be zero, but I'm still not 100% sure how to read the test, I probably need to try another brand). Everything else, temp, pH, Ca, etc., are all rock-solid and perfect for a reef setup. Haven't tested hardness, but with my Ca in line, and pH very stable, it must be within range.

**roka64** · 08-03-2006, 05:12 PM

Can you confirm your tests with your LFS?

tecwzrd · 08-04-2006, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoot

I still can't get a reading from the tank

That’s usually because whatever algae is present in the tank will use the available po4 and cause false readings.

Testing the source water is really the only real determination of po4. While the po4 absorbing pads do work well in removing it I’d still invest in a quality RO/DI unit. Even with RO/DI po4 can be introduced to the tank via poor quality carbon and food sources. I’d still use the Poly-Bio-Marine Poly Filter or PURA pads to reduce po4 over using any chemical media.

08-03-2006, 11:27 AM	#1
Scoot Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nebraska Posts: 661 Images: 12	Tapwater report This is from our Metro Utilities District: Phosphate ppm <0.05 0.52 0.56 Silica ppm 7.8 25.3 32.1 Dissolved Solids (total, calculated) ppm 439 404 574 Alkalinity (total) as CaCO3 ppm 84 139 264 Each of the three numbers represent which water plant is being tested - I'm not sure which we're on. Are those phostphate and silica numbers high for somebody not using RO/DI? I'm treating with Prime at the moment, but have been fighting cyano, and even with water changes its not getting better.

08-03-2006, 04:30 PM	#2
Devilishturtles Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Frederick, Maryland Posts: 7,820 Images: 17	I don't know about the silica, but the phosphate definitley is. It may be all of your problem too. I know alot of people here has used Phosguard (or some other brand of phosphate remover) and it has helped immensely. HTH __________________ -Lindsay Live in the Western MD/West Virginia/DC Metro Area? Join our very active regional forum Here Like the advice someone just gave you? Add to their reputation! Click on the balance icon underneath their username and let them know.

08-03-2006, 05:12 PM	#4
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,195 Images: 12	Can you confirm your tests with your LFS? __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Questions loved, heeded advice greatly appreciated! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

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08-03-2006, 04:42 PM	#3
Scoot Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nebraska Posts: 661 Images: 12	I still can't get a reading from the tank - the color matches the FW test, not SW, at 0.5. I have a couple phosphate pads coming, that are supposed to absorbe quite a bit pretty fast. We'll see if it helps. This sucks to be happening now, since I've moved off the HOB filter, and my nitrates are starting to approach zero (or they could be zero, but I'm still not 100% sure how to read the test, I probably need to try another brand). Everything else, temp, pH, Ca, etc., are all rock-solid and perfect for a reef setup. Haven't tested hardness, but with my Ca in line, and pH very stable, it must be within range.