Could this be the Problem?

[MadReefer]

I pulled this rock out as it looked black in the tank but is covered in slime green. It smelled horrible so I tossed in a bucket with water, vinegar and peroxide. Will see in a week or two and decide to keep or toss.

 

[MadReefer]

I also decided to clean that black foam in the sump. Why did Red sea think this was a good idea as it was a bitch to get all 5 sections out. I ordered another that I can cut to size to make cleaning easier.
These were dirty but not as dirty as I though as I have not cleaned it since the tank was setup in Jan 2027.

 

[MadReefer]

Last week add some Rowaphos to help reduce Phosphate and barely moved. I used what little I had. Today added a small bag 3x3 of Phosguard.
Now the waiting game. I hear the Jeopardy tune playing in my head now.

 

[nvladik]

That’s not Red Sea. Theirs come as a single foam insert.

 

[MadReefer]

That’s not Red Sea. Theirs come as a single foam insert.

I bought one and cut it to size. So one piece now.

 

[MadReefer]

I have tried a few things to reduce phosphate and made some progress but now seem to be stuck. I increased carbon dosing (vodka) to 3ml daily. Decreased Alk as it was approaching 11; I also added some Neonitro as Nitrate was getting down to 2. Here are my numbers the past two weeks of testing with Salifert, Cal is a Hanna checker. I am open to suggestions to reduce Phos.

9/23
Alk- 9.5
Calc- 350
Mag - 1350
Phos - 1
Nitrate - 10

10/13
Phos - 0.6
Nitrate - 2

10/15 (Increased calc dosing)
Alk- 9.5
Calc-410
Mag - 1380
Phos - 0.6
Nitrate - 25

10/18
Alk- 8.6
Calc-410
Mag - 1350
Phos - 0.5 appx
Nitrate - 25

 

[Salted]

I’m wondering why you’re unhappy with those numbers.

 

[MadReefer]

I’m wondering why you’re unhappy with those numbers.

I lost coral in a few months. 6 head torch, 10 head hammer, lepto, blasto and some others. Was told phosphate at 1 is way to high.

 

[mwil79]

I mean you are slowly dropping in phosphates so just keep doing what you are doing.

 

[john90009]

Yeah man your trending in the right direction, it takes time to remove phosphates. Your rocks and sand are constantly leeching it to keep your tank from swinging. Just keep up with the phosphate removal, and the good clean water changes will give the corals balanced seawater to start growing. One far off element or metal can shut coral down from growing and consuming.

 

[Yates273]

Your numbers are on really good trend . Don’t bottom out your numbers or you will have other issues. I used Phosban L to lower my phosphates and I’ve the course of a month it has my phosphates sitting at .02 now. I was dosing 2.6 ml a day and had no issues. Also a lot cheaper than GFO

 

[Salted]

I lost coral in a few months. 6 head torch, 10 head hammer, lepto, blasto and some others. Was told phosphate at 1 is way to high.

I have to apologize. I mistook the 0.6 & 0.5 .06 and .05. I should refrain from posting until I’ve had my coffee and woken up. Aside from that, you seem to be moving in the right direction without rushing so keep at it.

 

[MadReefer]

Your numbers are on really good trend . Don’t bottom out your numbers or you will have other issues. I used Phosban L to lower my phosphates and I’ve the course of a month it has my phosphates sitting at .02 now. I was dosing 2.6 ml a day and had no issues. Also a lot cheaper than GFO

I'm using Phosguard now. Will switch to Phosban when it runs out.

 

[DEL]

All LPS perishing? Brown jelly? Do not aim for 0 phos. You need phosphate.

 

[MadReefer]

All LPS perishing? Brown jelly? Do not aim for 0 phos. You need phosphate.

Im not. Trying g to get in. Normal range. No brown jelly.