phosphate levels

[skiergd011013]

what do you all recommend to keep phosphate levels low. i want to avoid future problems with algae and i know keeping phosphates low controls algae. will my protein skimmer and regular water changes do the trick? i got a remora aqua c skimmer with a maxijet 1200.

[bcrum51]

it helps but overfeeding is the number one reason for phosphate issues I've seen alot of customers come though our store and swear they aren't over feeding but then they tell you how much there feeding and they are way off so don't over feed make sure everything get ate also some media does help but the best way to battle phosphates is not having them at all

[skiergd011013]

how much feeding is recommended? i dont plan to heavily stock my 55 i want to concentrate mainly on corals

[bcrum51]

then not much at all

[Seamore]

Alone no, need to lower the nutrient additions to your water volume. Most of the food you add, that your skimmer does not remove, consumed or not becomes nutrients in the water, not saying starve your fish, simply if you have to guess slightly underfeed. Try to blow off the rocks w/clean turkey baster often and before all WC to suspend any trapped/collected waste. Do not use any filter pad or sock or sponge if you do not intend to clean or replace it every two days, the waste does not get any fresher sitting in the filter decomposing into algae food. If the rock and sand in the tank are already laden with phosphates you may need to address them too.