How to Control Phosphate in a Reef Tank

Phosphate plays a big role in reef keeping. Understanding how they work in an aquarium will help you grow beautiful corals and keep a pristine tank. With too much phosphate, you will have algae problems and your corals will suffer. On the other hand, if you get overzealous and maintain zero phosphate for an extended period of time, your corals and other important organisms in your reef aquarium will starve. In this video we explain the various methods of controlling phosphate in a reef tank. VIEW ACCOMPANYING BLOG POST (with full video transcript): http://goo.gl/G8ZM9o VIEW PHOSPHATE FILTER MEDIA: http://goo.gl/9SweGY VIEW LIQUID PHOSPHATE REMOVERS: http://goo.gl/MWOrcw Thanks for watching! If you found this video tutorial helpful, please like or share it with your fellow fish geeks! Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on all future MD video installments. Until next time... take care and happy reefkeeping!

How to Control Phosphate in a Reef Tank sentiment_very_dissatisfied 3

Reef tank 9 years ago 22,104 views

Phosphate plays a big role in reef keeping. Understanding how they work in an aquarium will help you grow beautiful corals and keep a pristine tank. With too much phosphate, you will have algae problems and your corals will suffer. On the other hand, if you get overzealous and maintain zero phosphate for an extended period of time, your corals and other important organisms in your reef aquarium will starve. In this video we explain the various methods of controlling phosphate in a reef tank. VIEW ACCOMPANYING BLOG POST (with full video transcript): http://goo.gl/G8ZM9o VIEW PHOSPHATE FILTER MEDIA: http://goo.gl/9SweGY VIEW LIQUID PHOSPHATE REMOVERS: http://goo.gl/MWOrcw Thanks for watching! If you found this video tutorial helpful, please like or share it with your fellow fish geeks! Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on all future MD video installments. Until next time... take care and happy reefkeeping!

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Most popular comments
for How to Control Phosphate in a Reef Tank

Bommie
Bommie - 8 years ago
No wonder my kH has lowered since i started using phosguard. And it did shock my sps..Thanks! u answered my question.
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 8 years ago
+Roy Rocha Glad to hear the video was helpful!

-Robert @ MD
Craig Mullins
Craig Mullins - 8 years ago
What phosphate levels do u recommend for fish only and reef tanks that are saltwater?
How do you determine how much of the different type of phosphate removals chemicals to use?
Do they all need protein skimmers or can some be used without a skimmer?
What test kit do you recommend? Are the digital ones pretty accurate?
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 8 years ago
+Craig Mullins Thanks for watching and we are glad to help.

Phosphates are crucial to the natural processes in your tank and should be present but at very minimal levels. <0.03ppm. Most hobbyists agree that keeping detectable phosphates as low as possible helps to reduce algae and prevent any negative effects on coral growth.

For GFO, the amount to use is based on how big your tank is. Then it will be changed out as needed depending on how much phosphate is being introduced into the tank on a regular basis.
http://mdshop.us/21G8yZZ

For the liquid removers, it is also based on tank size and should be used with a protein skimmer and filter sock to actually remove the phosphate.
http://mdshop.us/1UrdOS4

Not all phosphate removal methods require a protein skimmer for example GFO media such as AquaMaxx Phosphate Out. This also happens to be the most popular means of phosphate control in a reef tank.

I personally use the Elos and Salifert test kits. The Hanna Low Range Phosphate Meter is also a great option for digital testing and is accurate when used correctly.

http://mdshop.us/26Lb5Y6
http://bit.ly/23jlfur


Feel free to contact our customer service department directly for further support. We are always happy to help.


1-800-566-3474
customercare@marinedepot.com
cyberaquarist
cyberaquarist - 8 years ago
I've been using Phosguard for over two years with great results. It lasts much longer than 4 to 5 days if used to manage PO4 rather than initial removal. It just needs to be used properly. Most aquarists haven't, so this product has gotten a bad rep. Rinse it to remove any dust, then place it in a bag or reactor so that it doesn't tumble. Test PO4 and replace the Phosguard once the level quits dropping. After PO4 reaches 0 ppm I do not test PO4 or change out the Phisguard until I see the slightest trace of algae. This keeps algae to a minimum and gives the corals the trace amount of PO4 that they need. This has worked for me anyway. Never had any algae problems after 28 months running.
You guys make great videos. Keep up the great work.
The Clueless Reefer
The Clueless Reefer - 8 years ago
Great job on the warnings, a lot of others have not been focusing on these, especially with the PhosGuard. I'm still learning about this stuff and didn't realize having no phosphates could hurt some of the corals - most people just focus on killing Nitrates and Phosphates entirely from what I've seen.
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 8 years ago
+The Clueless Reefer Thanks for watching!
XxpoplocksxX
XxpoplocksxX - 9 years ago
Love your videos and good tips
wincod75
wincod75 - 8 years ago
+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies Bio Pellets & Reactors?
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 9 years ago
+XxpoplocksxX Thank you so much for watching! If you have ideas for future MD videos, please let us know!!!
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 9 years ago
What methods of phosphate control do you use in your reef aquarium?

http://ow.ly/MIkwS
The Clueless Reefer
The Clueless Reefer - 8 years ago
+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies I use the RowaPhos in a SeaChem 'Bag" in my sump, just next to my protein skimmer so it gets decent water flow. I also use the Red Sea Phosphate Pro test kit - its light years easier to use than the API one...makes testing for this actually useful :)
I haven't had the budget yet to get a reactor...but after this video I'm thinking I really don't need one! I started with levels at 2 PPM back in January and have now maintained .36 steadily since the beginning of February.
GENISIS1TWENTYONE
GENISIS1TWENTYONE - 9 years ago
Very, just kind of pricy
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies
Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies - 9 years ago
+GENISIS1TWENTYONE Do you find it to be an effective approach to lowering phosphate?
GENISIS1TWENTYONE
GENISIS1TWENTYONE - 9 years ago
+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies GFO

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