High phosphate level ?

[FISHSHROD]

Does anyone use phosphate remover in their planted tank even though we add mono potassium phosphate during EI dosing ?

This question is about an old established heavily stocked planted tank with high level phosphate.


Thanks

 

[jpappy789]

Isn't the point of EI is to overload with nutrients so there are no deficiencies, even though it gives a rough estimation of levels? Using a remover of any kind somewhat defeats that purpose IMO.

 

[plantbrain]

Does anyone use phosphate remover in their planted tank even though we add mono potassium phosphate during EI dosing ?

This question is about an old established heavily stocked planted tank with high level phosphate.


Thanks

Water change does the trick quite well if you wish to lower the PO4.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

...and ease up on your KH2PO4 dosing until you reach your desired level.

 

[FISHSHROD]

Thanks guys, Brian , the level day after water change is 10ppm, seems high ! My tap water has 1 ppm.
Slappy, I was thinking of doing that, might give it a try unless advised otherwise .
Jpap, see my reply .

 

[jpappy789]

10 ppm seems like an awful lot after a wc seeing as the "target" for EI is only 2 ppm.

Give it a try (lower KH2PO4 dosing) and if the plant growth still looks good than you should be fine. I would just be wary of any chemical or synthetic remover going too far and stripping the water of the PO4 the plants do need.

 

[FISHSHROD]

10 ppm seems like an awful lot after a wc seeing as the "target" for EI is only 2 ppm.

Give it a try (lower KH2PO4 dosing) and if the plant growth still looks good than you should be fine. I would just be wary of any chemical or synthetic remover going too far and stripping the water of the PO4 the plants do need.

YUP YUP YUP !!!!!!!!!

 

[James0816]

10 ppm seems like an awful lot after a wc seeing as the "target" for EI is only 2 ppm.

Give it a try (lower KH2PO4 dosing) and if the plant growth still looks good than you should be fine. I would just be wary of any chemical or synthetic remover going too far and stripping the water of the PO4 the plants do need.

x2

 

[jgulecas]

I have had this problem as well, and have researched it. I have read inconsistent reports as to whether excess phosphates inhibit plant growth. Tom Barr says no. My advice would be to stop dosing phosphates altogether, do regular water changes, clean your filter, vacuum your gravel, don't overfeed, read your food labels and maybe cut out using those with excess phosphorus. Fish food is your likely source of excess phosphates. Keep doing tests and see what you get.

Activated carbon can add phosphates as well.

Have you tested your tap water? My tap water has about 1 ppm.

 

[jpappy789]

How much KH2PO4 are you adding per EI dose schedule, SHROD? (ie. 3 x ?)

You may be able to get away with not adding any with a tap at 1 ppm and relying on other additions (fish food)...but then again unless you're seeing huge problems I have a hard time telling anyone to change anything.