Phosphate Question

[jasper24]

What is the primary cause for high Phosphate levels in a reef tank? I have a 58G with 15G sump. I make my own water that reads 0 TDS through my RO/DI. I use Reef Crystals salt. The reason that I ask is that I have a mild case of red slime algae in my sump. In the sump are my return pumps, Coralife SS, and a wad of Chateo (SP). I run a "Lights of America" bulb in my sump on a reverse schedule from my halides. Parameters below.

SG 1.025
DKH 9.5
Calcium 390
PH 8.2
Temp 80ish
No detectable nitrates, ammonia, nitrites
No Phosphate test kit

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

What is the primary cause for high Phosphate levels in a reef tank?

It is always more input than export. Input is mostly foods. Input water is typically a small to nil contributor, unless you are using tap water.

Export is skimming, macroalgae, coral growth, binders, etc.

Using some GFO (an iron based phosphate binder) may be a good way to attack a current algae problem.

These articles have more:

Phosphate and the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm

Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm

[jasper24]

Thank you!

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing. :)