Its been a long time since my last post. I have learned a lot lately but like most educational opportunities it has been costly, time consuming and frustrating. I have had high phosphates between .29 an .45 Nitrates were 75.
I dosed vodka and was able to get the Nitrates under control but the Phosphates are stubborn. I read a lot of info online and talked to several people and did the most common suggestions such as vacuuming sand, extra water changes, less food and adding more flow. In addition I used Clear FX Pro and Pure Marine which did clear the water and help with Nitrates but did nothing for the PO4.
I didn't realize I had a PO4 problem for a while because I didn't have an algae problem. I noticed the glass needed cleaning a little more often but not anything I felt was excessive.
I feel aggravated at myself for some some of the mistakes I have made while going through this so I am hoping this will help someone else in the future. Here we go, I have been reading high TDS for a while (23-35). One night I tested and read 750,Then I decided to test my tank water. It read --- on the meter. (yes I panicked) ran to the computer and ordered a new RO/DO unit. Thanks to Brian telling me you can not read TDS in saltwater I was able to cancel the RO/DI unit and get a refund. Just not thinking clearly.
I tested my RO/DI water and found the PO4 at .9 I have been adding PO4 to my tank through top off water and water changes. (MORON) Today I changed the resin in the unit and read 0=TDS and 0= PO4. Lesson= Test your RO/DI water if you see an increase in PO4 in your tank
As I said I had increased the size and frequency of water changes so I have been using a lot of salt as well as the cost of the other 2 products so I'm guessing $60-$70 which is not a lot of money but it cuts into the money I need to spend on other things to improve my tank. I forgot to mention I lost 3 Acan colonies so thats another $75
Here's another good one for you. Last night I did a major cleaning on the sump and removed the chaeto because I can not get it to grow at all. I moved the skimmer from the return chamber to reduce the micro bubbles in the display and put it where the chaeto was. While rearranging things I moved the heater into the return area and when I turn the pump on the water level dropped and burnt up the heater. You can PM me if you want to know what a burning heater smells like. It still smells under the cabinets. HAHA.
I starting dosing Lanthanum Chloride today. Thank You JJOOS for the sample and information. I will keep everyone posted on the progress. If it is successful it will be a huge savings instead of using GFO over a long period of time.