Maintaining an optimum phosphate level for a healthy, growing reef tank is important. And the optimum level is close to the maximum limit. Additionally, there are various inevitable reasons behind the rise in phosphate levels in your reef tank. For example, it can be your water supply or the food you have to feed your reefs.
So if you don’t have an idea about what the ideal phosphate level in a reef tank is, it may not be easy to keep up the balance. To regulate and maintain the level in the desired amount, you have to know how to check the phosphate level. And why maintaining the level is important for your reefs.
That’s why we have brought up this article for the reef keeper to get them what is, how-to, and why the phosphate level is meant to be for your reef tank. Apart from these, you will also get ways of balancing the level in the easiest way possible.
So let’s get started.
What Is The Ideal Phosphate Level For Reef Tank?
The ideal phosphate level for a reef tank is 0.05 ppm-mg/l. In special conditions, the phosphate level can be up to 0.1 ppm. Actually, you can’t make level to zero, and that is not desirable. This light and optimum amount of phosphate (0.05ppm) are required as it is associated with reef growth, also for your reef tank’s ultimate well-being.
Most of the time, this 0.05 ppm is stated for reefs that include LPS or large stony polyp. On the other hand, if your reef has SPS or a small stony polyp, you need to keep the level down up to 0.03ppm. Moreover, if your reef tank has a high fish load, you have to maintain a slightly high phosphate level.
How To Measure Phosphate Level Of A Reef Tank?
Using a well renewed, automated device like the Hanna checker, API, etc., are the best way to check the phosphate level. It will give you the most accurate result with less effort and the fastest time. Almost all devices have the same basic procedure. Here we will talk about the Hanna checker.
Step 1: Take the Hannah checker and put a battery on to start your device. Press the black front button on the checker and wait until it shows up “c1” at its display.
Step 2: When its shows “C.1,” it means the device is ready to accept the sample. For inputting samples, you will have a small tube that comes along with the Hanna checker. Pour sample water onto it, which you want to determine the phosphate level.
Step 3: After inserting the sample, press the black button again and wait to display “C.2”. Now your device is ready for the reagent solution, which will work here as the standard solution. Get the reagent packet supplied with the meter and mix it with normal water.
Step 4: Place the standard solution tube inside the checker. Now close the cap. It will automatically start a 3 minutes timer. At the end of the time, it will show the phosphate level of your reef tank.
While checking, make sure your device is working well and has no mechanical snag. However, be a little careful while mixing the reagent solution. Using a basic Hanna checker, you can check phosphate levels up to 0 to 2.50ppm. For the lower range, there have other versions of this device.
How Often Should You Measure the Phosphate Level Of A Reef Tank?
The optimum phosphate level is a sensitive matter for reef tanks. You have to check it regularly. Checking the phosphate level once every week is recommended. However, if you want you can check more often. Whenever you feel the necessity.
Is It Important To Maintain Phosphate Level In A Reef Tank?
Yes, it’s mandatory to maintain the limit phosphate level in a reef tank. There are several causes behind the cruciality of balancing the phosphate level of your reef tank.
Phosphate is required for the growth of your reefs and other animals of your aquarium. When the phosphate level rises in a reef tank, it instigates algae growth. However, this causes an overall reef growth retardation.
Moreover, phosphate will severely affect the whole ecosystem by creating an imbalance, undesirable pH levels. Additionally, the high phosphate level in reef tanks can promote extreme toxin buildup.
So for ensuring your reef health and securing the ecosystem regulating phosphate level is a must. In addition, for balancing other crucial parameters and controlling microbial growth, you have to maintain the phosphate level in a reef tank.
How To Keep Phosphate Level Ideal In A Reef Tank?
The phosphate accumulation in your tank is mostly a normal phenomenon. And you can hardly stop it for good. But You can keep the phosphate amount in a reef tank at an optimum level by adapting these four methods.
Water Changing and Cleaning
Water changing is the primary and basic solution to keep up the optimum phosphate level. Routine-wise water change, keeping your reef tank clean, and choosing an appropriate filter can greatly help you control the phosphate level. Moreover, the sand bed of the reef tank can turn into a waste landfill if you don’t clean it regularly. As a result, it will spike up phosphate levels.
Protein Skimmer
The protein skimmer is a device that works on the removal of leftover food and waste particles from a reef tank. Its also known as a foam fractionator. In addition to waste management, a protein skimmer improves the water environment of your tank by limiting the phosphate level. This device is also able to control the supply water phosphate level.
Chemical Absorbent
You will find various chemical solutions to absorb the excess phosphate of your reef tank. Aluminum Oxide, Granular Ferric Oxide, etc., are popular chemical absorbents. Chemical absorbents are basically safe to use but before use, check your other water parameters. Make sure there is no inhibitor present that can adversely react with these absorbents.
Macro-Algae
Growing macro-Algae or using Turf-Scrubber for macro-algae growth is an effective way to minimize the phosphate level. Algae are the vigorous eater of phosphate, and macro-algae are safe for your reef tank. So these algae will terminate the increased phosphate level without any harm.
Conclusion
Reefs are sensitive. Being a reef-keeper, you have to be vigilant about every single parameter that has attributes on your reef tank. You have to know the parameters well and different control methods. We hope this write will help you know your ideal phosphate level for your reef tank. And how to control the phosphate level efficiently. Be vigilant and maintain regularity for the proper growth, well-being, and good health of your reefs.
Related Posts:
