.5 PPM Phosphates Ok?

[JusJim]

I just got a test kit for phosphates tonight and the reading is .5 PPM. I realize it should be zero, but is .5 at least OK for a tank that is at the end of it's cycling process?

65 Gallon with 100# live rock has been cycling for about 3 1/2 weeks now. Everything has spiked and is back down to normal except for nitrates which are at about 20.

What will help bring the phosphates down?

[discus010]

I use Phosban as well as chaeto for phosphate reduction

[JusJim]

So do I need to worry about the .5 right now or will it take care of itself?

[sandiegan]

Worry about it? well..it's not deadly really. It can/will cause some major algae growth so you might want to add a fuge, or put some chaeto in your display tank. I have no clue what my phosphate readings are, but probably at least as much as yours (I top off w/ tap). Everything is still fine in my tank (6months +)

[kau_cinta_ku]

the scale of phosphates are as follows
0.03 good
0.10 critical
0.25 coral growth retarded
ect.
if i was you i would try to lower them with either macro alage or a phosphate buffer or you will start to get alage prob.

[sandiegan]

hmm, nice progression chart Sam. Thanks

[Paulairduck]

He obviously test's with Salifert, (THE BEST TEST KIT) the phosphates are too high, water changes with ro/di water.