Phosphate problem

audacious1 · 09/30/2012, 09:31 PM

I test phosphate with the Hanna checker.

I've tested phosphate 3 times a day for a week & everytime I check i get a 0.00 or 0.01. I'm wondering if it's really that low since I'm getting that dust on the glass and i have a nitrate level of 2. To make sure it wasn't the reagent i opened up a new pack and had the same results. Any info would be great.

a.browning · 09/30/2012, 10:28 PM

Are you running GFO or other phosphate remover? It is possible to get a false zero reading for phosphates. If algae is utilizing the phosphate as soon as it enters the water column, then it will not be detectable on test kits. Sometimes, it is easier to tell when your phosphate rises by how much algae is growing. I know it's time to change the GFO when I have to clean the glass more regularly.

audacious1 · 09/30/2012, 10:35 PM

i use the gfo high capacity from brs
so do you just tell by looking at your glass? thank you

Neoburn1035 · 09/30/2012, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audacious1

i use the gfo high capacity from brs
so do you just tell by looking at your glass? thank you

Right how much and how fast after you clean the glass does it come back. I only have to clean my class every two weeks, and it just has a light coating. How long is your light cycle?

a.browning · 10/01/2012, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audacious1

i use the gfo high capacity from brs
so do you just tell by looking at your glass? thank you

I do judge by the glass, but I also test phosphate with a hanna checker once a week. I normally clean the glass 1-2 times a week, but I feed pretty heavily to keep some trace NO3. Some people don't have to clean their glass that often.

azjohnny · 10/01/2012, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audacious1

i use the gfo high capacity from brs
so do you just tell by looking at your glass? thank you

I use the same GFO, and you shouldn't go any longer than 2 months without changing the media. I think if you wait till the algae starts growing on the glass its kinda like closing the barn door after the horse escapes

gnu · 10/01/2012, 11:18 AM

Do you run gfo and bp?

audacious1 · 10/01/2012, 10:35 PM

it comes back about 3 days after i clean it but not a lot just a little bit and in small patches.

i'm sorry but what's bp?

i change my gfo on every water change. (every 2 weeks)

09/30/2012, 09:31 PM	#1
audacious1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 93	Phosphate problem I test phosphate with the Hanna checker. I've tested phosphate 3 times a day for a week & everytime I check i get a 0.00 or 0.01. I'm wondering if it's really that low since I'm getting that dust on the glass and i have a nitrate level of 2. To make sure it wasn't the reagent i opened up a new pack and had the same results. Any info would be great.

09/30/2012, 10:28 PM	#2
a.browning Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 975	Are you running GFO or other phosphate remover? It is possible to get a false zero reading for phosphates. If algae is utilizing the phosphate as soon as it enters the water column, then it will not be detectable on test kits. Sometimes, it is easier to tell when your phosphate rises by how much algae is growing. I know it's time to change the GFO when I have to clean the glass more regularly. __________________ 75 SPS, 80 & 45 Frag Tank, 40B Leather Tank

09/30/2012, 10:35 PM	#3
audacious1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 93	i use the gfo high capacity from brs so do you just tell by looking at your glass? thank you

10/01/2012, 11:18 AM	#7
gnu Moved On Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: ohio Posts: 183	Do you run gfo and bp?

10/01/2012, 10:35 PM	#8
audacious1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 93	it comes back about 3 days after i clean it but not a lot just a little bit and in small patches. i'm sorry but what's bp? i change my gfo on every water change. (every 2 weeks)