What range should Phophates be in FOWLR

[guyguerra]

I have been having an algae problem in a new tank, so I checked the phosates. They are at .5. Is this level ok for my FO tank and could id be causing the algae? Guy

[LittlePuff]

Phosphates help cause algae. You don't need it in your tank unless you have fish that need to eat the algae. It's also normal to get an algae bloom when setting up a new tank. Where are the phosphates coming from? Are you feeding the live rock?



Kim

[WaterKeeper]

Typically they should be below 0.03 ppm. This is simple orthophosphate levels. It is about the only type of phosphate the home test kits measure. Total phosphate, which includes organic phosphate, run higher but are unmeasured with the kit.

Their major problem in a FO tank is encouraging algae. In a reef tank high levels impede calcification. They don't appear to harm fish.