How To Dose Phosphate In Your Reef Aquarium With Tropic Marin
Why Should I Dose Phosphate?
Phosphate is a critical nutrient that supports the growth of corals, invertebrates, macroalgae, and even bacteria in your aquarium. An aquarium completely void of phosphate will experience bacterial imbalances and cannot develop a successful nitrogen cycle.
It should also be noted that an aquarium with an overabundance of phosphate can be at risk of pesky algae and undesirable bacteria outbreaks. Elevated phosphate will also stunt coral growth because it will interfere with the absorption of calcium carbonate.
When Is It Appropriate To Dose Phosphate?
Because phosphate is such a fundamental nutrient, there is a good reason to dose phosphate at just about any stage in your aquarium journey. Additionally, different forms of phosphate can exist in your aquarium which is important for bioavailability. The phosphate we test for is dissolved phosphate and is very difficult for a coral to acquire. Corals prefer to capture and consume particulate phosphate which naturally exists in the form of bacteria, marine snow, fish poo, etc.
- While cycling a new aquarium - Tropic Marin Phos-Start is specifically designed for cycling new aquariums and will stimulate the growth of a healthy and diverse microbiome resulting in a stable nitrogen cycle.
- In an established reef aquarium containing corals and invertebrates - Tropic Marin Phos-Feed is a particulate form of phosphate that corals and filter feeders can easily capture for consumption.
- In an established reef aquarium where dissolved nutrients are undetectable - Tropic Marin Plus NP is a concentrated phosphate and nitrogen solution formulated to counteract nutrient limitations in reef aquaria.
How Much Phosphate Is Too Much?
Before dosing an established tank with Phos-Feed, it is best to have your dissolved phosphates within an acceptable range first. While the range of acceptable phosphates might be debated in some circles, most hobbyists agree that anything 0.05 - 0.2 PPM is considered acceptable. Any amount of dissolved phosphate beyond 0.2 PPM would be regarded as HIGH and should be reduced before dosing Phos-Feed.
What Is The Difference Between Carbon Dosing & Phos-Feed?
Carbon dosing is a method that involves the proliferation of bacteria to uptake dissolved phosphate and nitrate from the aquarium water. That bacteria is then available as a particulate for corals to consume and acquire phosphate. Phos-Feed is already a particulate form of phosphate that the corals can immediately consume right out of the bottle, no bacteria or other additives are required.
Can I Maintain A Ultra Low Nutrient System While Using Phos-Feed?
Yes, Phos-Feed is the perfect complement to ensure corals get the nutrients they need in an aquarium where dissolved phosphates are maintained at low or undetectable levels.
Login and Registration Form