Phosphates: Where do they come from? Why are they bad?

reefBoyDc · 05-15-2004, 04:46 PM

Hi,

Here's a basic ( i think) question:

Where do phosphates come from? In which process of the nitrogen cycle are they produced?

And second, why are phosphates bad? Do they affect fish, corals? Or do they just result in nuissance algae?

Thanks!

tdwyatt · 05-15-2004, 08:14 PM

the definitive phosphate thread

reefBoyDc · 05-15-2004, 10:06 PM

Thanks!

reefBoyDc · 05-15-2004, 10:20 PM

I guess it wasn't a basic question after all.

So are phosphates bad for fish and corals, or do they just promote the growth of algae?

USA reefer · 05-16-2004, 08:23 AM

I am pretty sure they can stop or limit the growth on sps corals at the polyp base of the coral.

Doug1 · 05-16-2004, 08:51 AM

I think the short of it is that while phosphates are essential to vital biological processes, the amount needed is minute compared to how much is introduced into the tank through feeding,improperly treated water, and the ongoing biological processes in general.
It's when there is an abundance that it's easily utilized by the algaes that we dont want.
BTW Johnny, whats up with the tank?

USA reefer · 05-16-2004, 10:32 AM

Doug I called John(IAP) yesterday and he will be starting on the tank in two weeks so it will be about a month I would guess. It's going to happen.