Methods of Lowering Phosphates?

[colinsk]

I measured both of my tanks tonight:

0 ammonia
0 nitrites
0 nitrates
.5 phosphates
7.4 pH
6 gH
4 kH

I think if I could lower my phosphates I could have less of a delicate balance with algae. I realize I can do it with water changes but what other methods are available to me? I considered adding CaCl and precipitating calcium phosphate but I am not sure if it would work. Adding soluable iron would precipitate phosphates as well but I think the iron might prove to be a good source of nutrients for algea.

The tanks are about 2 watts per gallon, no CO2 and no fertz.

Thoughts?

 

[SilverDollarMan]

live plants

they suck up the nutrients and keep algae in check

but water changes is always the best way

 

[jpappy789]

More plants. If you get 0 ppm nitrates you should start think about supplementing some...

 

[Slappy*McFish]

This stuff.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~MN3111~idCategory~FIFMCHPR~category~Phosphate_Removers-Chemical-Filter_Media-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

 

[Mgamer20o0]

add co2 and the other ferts. those are just the extras in your water the plants cant use since they need all of them to grow faster.

 

[colinsk]

This stuff.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...edia-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

Ferric Hyroxide! That would bind iron to the phosphates.

Here is the patent from 1970:

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-...1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=5124044&OS=5124044&RS=5124044

 

[colinsk]

More plants. If you get 0 ppm nitrates you should start think about supplementing some...

I am hoping not to have to jump off that bridge. I might just have to.

 

[colinsk]

I did find a patent referencing the use of CaCl to bind phosphates in waste water treatment. I'll pull some used aquarium water and see what I can do. I use lots of CaCl at work so it would be free to try.