The Puffer Forum

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?

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

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?

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?

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

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

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).