can't reduce phosphates

[BigJim]

I've been dealing with high phosphates for at least 6 months now. Here is what I've done:
1.10-20 gallon weekly water (ro/di) changes for a several months.
2.Switched to feeding frozen foods (prime reef & formula 1) only once a day or every other day.
3. Got a phosban reactor running rowaphos
4. Got a CPR HOB refugium full of chaeto, removing it every 2 weeks.
5. Put a second seaclone skimmer on the tank (had from another tank)

Yet my phosphates still measure off the scale on the seachem test. I've tested the test kit with a supplied reference sample and test my nsw which both are zero. I've pretty much given up at this point. I can't keep LPS corals and coralline algae will not grow since the phosphates are so high. Any thoughts????

[Billybeau1]

The reference sample with the Seachem test kit should be 1.0 ppm Po4. You might want to check with another kit. Th PO4 is coming from somewhere. Do you rinse your frozen food before putting it in the tank ? I know its a PITA but there is po4 in the frozen food.

I'm a little surprised the Rowaphos isnt working. Its pretty good stuff. Hopefully you are following the directions to a T.

[HowardW]

Prime Reef isn't so bad but the Formula 1 is loaded with phosphates. If you use Formula 1 make sure to soak it several times and drain out all the juice. There may also be other issues but you are putting a lot of phosphates in your water by feeding Formula 1.

[Bret61081]

how offten are you changing the media inthe phosban reactor? Mine were off the charts...for the first 2 weeks I was changing the media every 4 days on my 55G using about 1/2 of the jar of phosban. Now I am on my 3rd jar and they are down to .3. also only chaning the media every 2 weeks till they get down to 0. Remember its like a sponge, when its full, it cant take anymore....

[ODB_Heck]

I was trying to knock down my phos a month ago. and I did a bunch of 10 gal changes with a new ro/di and phos was comming down very slow. so I started making big water changes as in 50 to 60 % changes in a short time and got it under control, then I put some phosguard in a bag in the filter and now its near zero. I had high phos from just using tap water and not doing water changes like I should have. At one point I was thinking my rock was loaded with phos from soaking it in all that time. still could be who knows.

I would test the water comming out your ro/di to make sure its working or needs a filter change.

I also was pulling out my crushed coral while making these water changes. I was told that may be a source for phos.

like billy said try another test kit.

and I stoped feeding formula 1 food also.

Im no expert Im just passing on some advice that was given to me on this site and it help me.

good luck

[xtrstangx]

What skimmer are you using? How much skimmate are you getting (in cups (the cooking kind))?