phosphates

[rbarb1111]

Is a phosphate reading of .1 high. Would this be enough to cause cyano and brown algae. I tested both the tank water and the makeup water and i get the same reading .1. Is there a way that i can remove the phosphates in the make up water before i add to tank.
i am using ro water.
Thanks

 

[clowninround]

Do u buy the water or do u own a RO unit?

 

[malkore]

yes, .1ppm of phosphate could feed cyanobacteria. Brown algae is caused by diatoms, and will go away over time.
See if your source of R/O water includes a DI filter as well. DI should remove all phosphates, but if the filter's old, it'll leave traces behind.

 

[rbarb1111]

I buy it out of a machine It says ro water) and i have tried using a tap water filter.

 

[clowninround]

What you need is to get water that is RO/DI. Does your LFS sell it? I bought mine from mine for years but they tended to let their filters go too long. I finally broke down and bought a unit of my own. What you should do is test the water before it goes in your tank

 

[malkore]

rbarb said they tested the tank and the 'makeup water' which must be their pre-mixed sea water...and both test .1ppm.

I agree, test the R/O water first before you mix in salt. Salt shouldn't add phosphates, but its good to be 100% sure about your R/O water being the only source.

 

[rbarb1111]

Is distilled water that i purchase in the store ok to use as topoff water

Richard

 

[seaham358]

Have the LFS test it also maybe your kit is no good....... they say distilled water is ok to use.

 

[rbarb1111]

I think the kit is ok when i test the distilled water phosphates are 0.