Phosphate level

[Scuba Guy]

what is considered a 'low' phosphate level (other than zero)? At what level does Phosphate become a problem in spurring algae?

[jeffs99dime]

what is considered a 'low' phosphate level (other than zero)? At what level does Phosphate become a problem in spurring algae?

generally, levels of 2.0 or higher contribute greatly to algae production

[Drumachine09]

doesnt phosphate also cloud your water?

[jeffs99dime]

doesnt phosphate also cloud your water?

it can. it can cloud the water because it feeds algae.

[AuroraAustralis]

Phosphate levels that contribute to algae growth will differ tank to tank depending on how heavily planted it is and how much phosphate the plants present consume. Phosphate should be below 0.05ppm in tanks with no plants to consume it. Algae should not grow in tanks with little to no nitrate however, no matter how high the phosphate level. Phosphate levels can be kept down with regular water changes the same way as nitrate levels can but some tap water supplies have phosphate :o(
Phosphate is mostly of organic origin in tanks from decaying plant matter, uneaten food, fish wastes, algae etc. Phosphate can also be added to the tank via some ph buffers, carbons etc and unfortunately the ingredient labelling on most aquarium products leaves alot to be desired in most cases.

[jeffs99dime]

the majority of water companies add phosphate to the water supply

[AuroraAustralis]

My tap water has phosphate added. Though trying to get information about what EXACTLY is added to our supply is like extracting teeth. They are very cagey about what is added and won't offer the information unless you very specifically request it (I think the water board here hate me now lol)
I have a constant battle with keeping the levels just right to prevent algae outbreaks. Right now I am trying to slowly add more live plants & I found that if I keep the nitrate & phosphate levels low (as low as humanly possible with water changes containing half of the offending chemical I am trying to remove) & add a phosphate pillow to my filter I can keep the algae at bay. I've won the battle but not the war.. lol