skimmer off for plenum now phosphates 2.1 & hair HELP

[mweber]

Per the recomendations of serveral I shut my skimmer off about 2 months ago to enhance the operation of my Jaubert plenum. My plenum seems to be comming around in that my nitrates have fallen from 20 to 4PPM. I did, however have a misconception in testing the plenum water. Chalres Delbeek told me that a properly operating plenum will actually measure serveral times higher nitrate than the bulk water. That is what I am finding. Bulk 4, Plenum 12 ppm nitrate.

Anyway, my phosphates have gradually risen from 1ppm to 2.1ppm since shutting off the skimmer. I am seeing a bit of hair and need a solution before it gets out of hand. I have 180 tank, 300 LR, 55 sump, 20 refugium with caulerpa. My caulerpa doesn't seem to be growing much.

What shall I do?

 

[SteveP]

You can try running the skimmer periodically. If you dose Kalkwasser, that will aid in the removal phosphtes.

If you want to keep things skimmerless, you need to have your caulerpa growing more. A larger refugium with more caulerpa will help. Keep it lighted 24/7 and make sure your flow rate through it is sufficient. Some say 1x the tank volume is just right, others go 3x to 5x.

Lastly, don't overfeed and make sure your topoff water doesn't contain a high phosphate level.

Steve
8{I

 

[SteveP]

I meant 3x to 5x the volume of the refugium, not the display tank. Sorry for the confusion.

Steve
8{I

 

[mweber]

My tank is 180 gal. Do you mean 180 to 900 gallons per hour circulation through the refugium?

 

[canadawest]

The Kalk answer is good but only helps to precipitate the phosphates. You would still need a skimmer to take out the precipitate. More macro algae would also help, but the small refugium (in relation to your total system) wouldn't likely be able to keep up.

I would be focusing on where the phosphates are coming from. If they are climbing and algae is growing they must be getting introduced somewhere.

Are you using RO/DI water? If not I would check your topup and change water for phosphates, as well as your food. Once you determine where the added phosphates are coming from and remove that source, then just drop a mesh bag of Kent Phosphate Sponge in your sump and you'll likely be rid of the phosphates for good.

 

[mweber]

Thanks Yes I use RO DI I think I'll ask for advise on what foods are high in phosphates. I have been using some walmart shrimp pellets and fresh water flake food.