Phosphates...again

[lando]

I am still having a bit of trouble with cyno. It is better then it was but still present. I tested my RO/DI water for PO4 and it was barely detectable (less then .1) I tested my tank water and it is still just over .2. Is that too high? I have no idea where it is coming from. I rinse all froozen food in RO/DI water before adding it to the tank. I am running Phosguwar by Seachem right now. I do regular water changes (15% bi-weekly, or close to it). I use Black Diamond carbon, could it be leaching from there? I also hang Seaweed Salad about every other day, could this be a source? I am really running out of ideas. All other parameters are good: Ph 8.1, amonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 2.2, alk 3.2, calc 350, temp 80 and steady, SG 1.025. Thanks...Lando

 

[KMyers18]

Are you having a algea prob?

 

[lando]

Mild red hair algea problem. i would like to eliminate it completely.

 

[Shultz]

Maybe try RowaPhos instead?

Cheers Shelton.

 

[phases99]

Are you feeding any dry foods. They are notorious for causing phosphate problems if overfed. Shouldn't there be 0 phosphates coming from your RO/DI water? Maybe time for a cartridge change.

 

[seaham358]

Hows your circulation?? And lighting.... Old bulbs can shift spectrum and help it grow.
Can you get a water sample down where it is growing and see what the po4 is there..

 

[lando]

I do not feed dry food. Bulbs are just over 4 months old, 4x65 watt CF. i have two maxijuet 1200 and a mag 7 as a return from the sump.

 

[seaham358]

HHHHHHHUUUUMMMMMMMMM

Makes you want to have a few cold ones

 

[lando]

next step is to have the LFS test my source water tomorrow. I may end up ordering a new DI membrane. I am already four steps ahead on the cold ones. Stay tuned...Lando

 

[quarryshark]

Feeding alone can start raising it. I have my source water PO4 to almost 0 but my main tank PO4 will start creeping once in a while, I figure from the food. I monitor PO4 levels and just run a sponge about once a month. Its kept the cyno in check.

 

[lando]

Right now I am using Phosguard, is there a better product out there?

 

[quarryshark]

I use Kent's PO4 sponge, don't know if its better, but works for me.

 

[Shultz]

I use RowaPhos as (rightly/wrongly) the comapny claim it doesn't leach anything back in...

Cheers Shelton.