RO Water vs Phosphate Remover

[bigfatfish]

It would seem that I have very high phosphate levels in my tap water, which has only become an issue since I upped the SG to almost marine. I have used some phosphate removed initially to bring the level down to try & control the algae outbreak, but longterm what would be best - RO water or regular adding of the phosphate remover?

[Pufferpunk]

For marine tanks, RODI is always suggested to be the best way to go. It removes way more than just phosphate.

[El Scorpio]

PhosBan works pretty good at removing excess phosphates. I have an internal 10 gallon power filter that has only a bag of PhosBan in it that I run when needed, in addition to my regular filter and skimmer.
If you're just having an algae outbreak have you thought about getting a blenny?

[bigfatfish]

Was hoping RTR might chip in here! I know he is the one to ask about water issues!
So far the phosphate remove has worked well & the algae bloom is clearing already. I like the idea of using RO water, but does that mean I have to add other supplements to the tank?

[Pufferpunk]

Not if it's SW, the marine mix covers all of that.

[RTR]

I have done both processes. For most SW, I would use RODI, but I also would be doing LR and macro-algae refugia, so would want/need/prefer the higher quality water. For FW or light BW, I would pre-treat the water w/phosphate & soluble silicate remover and use no RO or RODI. The former is more expensive and wastes a lot of water and processing time, but you tend to get better results in SW w/inverts and or macroalgae.

Light BW is not as critical or demanding on water chemistry.

For FW planted tank (all that I do), you would have to phosphate/silicate pre-treat and then add phosphate back before it goes to the tank (aquatic plants need N:P::~7-10:1). If for the FW planted I would not do RODI - reconstituting that for a planted tank would be a huge PITA and $$$, and my tap water is fine as is. I do have moderate soluble silicates, so do get some but not awful diatoms. Pre-treatment with Phosguard etc. clears that issue if it is an issue.

HTH

[bigfatfish]

Thanks for the replies. Went & got my first 50 lits of RO water today (a good lfs has started selling it for £3.50 for 25 lits, so not too expensive).