Your one stop for reef aquarium information

Phosphate

First of all, you need some phosphate in your reef tank.

The level that is acceptable in your reef tank is so small; it is very difficult to measure with any accuracy. A level of 0.05 ppm (parts per million) up to 0.1 ppm is considered acceptable.

It is a primary nutrient source for many kinds of algae. The green hair variety comes to mind as one of the main types of problem algae that needs phosphate to grow. That alone is reason enough to try to keep these levels low.

Secondly, it can directly inhibit calcification by corals and coralline algae.

Where does it come from?

One common source is from tap water that is untreated. You really need to use RO or RO/DI water to eliminate all problems that come from using tap water. I cannot stress this enough.

Food that goes uneaten in your tank is another source. Don’t over feed the animals in your reef aquarium.

How to control the level?

Fortunately, there are some good methods to control levels in your reef.

Here are some good ways of dealing with high levels.

If you have a sump with a refugium, grow some macroalgae in it. It will not only reduce the level but will reduce other nutrients that lead to problem algae growth as well.

Consider running a skimmer. Your skimmer will reduce organic phosphate and other nutrients. Another big benefit of running a skimmer is the increase of gas exchange it provides. Lack of good gas exchange will lead to pH problems.

The use of limewater is another option you have, as well as other high pH alkalinity supplements. Although I am not encouraging the use of supplements, there are times when their use is justified. It can be very inexpensive, but it does solve two other big issues for reef keepers: maintaining calcium and alkalinity.

Another choice that I have used on occasion is a phosphate binding compound such as PhosGuard. You place some in an aquarium filter media bag and put it in a high flow area somewhere out of view. Your sump is the perfect location for this.

Lastly, simply keeping your pH level high (8.4) has been known to help.

Issues involving phosphorus can be very difficult to diagnose in your reef tank. If the live rock and sand have been exposed to very high levels they can become a reservoir, something you don’t want to happen.

Back to Reef Water Parameters

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Quick Tips

Always remember

All reef keepers should have a clear idea in mind about how they expect high levels to be exported from their system.

This will be something you have to deal with.

Maintenance

Test for phosphate levels if you have any problem algae growth.

Research is the key to success

It may seem boring but if your desire is to build a great looking reef tank, you must spend some quality time researching.

Take it slow and you will succeed. Move too fast and you will run into trouble.

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