29 gal FOWLR, eventual reef

**Ashurbarnipal** · 03-22-2012, 10:43 PM

This rock is by far the most afflicted:

As you can see, the one right to the left of it hasn't got any on it at all. I'm not really sure what can be done, given my params. Everything is normal, phosphate, nitrate, dkh, calcium, magnesium. Could my salinity have anything to do with it? Last I checked, it was 1.025.

That was with a hydrometer, though. I actually got a refractometer, but I need to get calibration liquid, since it wouldn't calibrate right without.

Silicates also occured to me, but I have been using RODI water which tests at 0 ppm on the TDS meter.

**Ashurbarnipal** · 03-23-2012, 01:09 AM

You know, I only use an API phosphate kit. I bet it's not terribly accurate.

And I took my phoszorb out a couple weeks ago. Maybe I should put it back in.

**Cliff** · 03-23-2012, 01:15 AM

I would get a better test kit for phosphate, something that can measure down to 0.01 ppm (0.03 is natural sea water if I remember correctly)

But having said that, if you have a really bad outbreak your test results will lower than reality as the algae can use up the nitrates and phosphate almost as soon as they are producted.

You could considers useing phosphate remover again

**Ashurbarnipal** · 03-23-2012, 01:25 AM

Definitely gonna put the phoszorb pouch back in. And put salifert's phosphate test kit on priority.

**Ashurbarnipal** · 03-23-2012, 06:31 AM

Also, I went ahead and got some of this salt http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...3&pcatid=15483 that you mentioned, lab.

**Ashurbarnipal** · 03-28-2012, 12:10 AM

I swear it's getting harder to get good shots under the LED lately. Also, man these guys acclimated FAST. Never saw anything do it that fast.

**Ashurbarnipal** · 03-30-2012, 05:33 PM

I've been considering a phosban reactor lately just so I don't have to worry about putting media in my canister.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

I presume I'd need to buy a separate pump with this?

**Dave66** · 03-30-2012, 06:43 PM

You would, yes, and there's an adjustable pump on that amazon page. You'd need it to keep the anti-phosphorus substance in proper suspension, meaning an adjustable pump is essential.

Dave

**Ashurbarnipal** · 04-03-2012, 05:51 PM

Well, the same friend that got me that mushroom just gave me another unexpected gift. A seriatopora guttatus frag

Other than that, the tank is doing well. The algae bloom is slowly dying down. Coralline growth is off the charts. Several spots are a good inch wide now. Haven't had nitrates in a while. Just ordered the salifert phosphate kit and some phosban. Gonna wait on the reactor for now.

And here's a FTS:

I just can't get good shots anymore, I swear.