How to Control Phosphate in a Reef Tank
Reef tank 8 years ago 21,902 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!
-Robert @ MD
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?
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.
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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.
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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.
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You guys make great videos. Keep up the great work.
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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.