keep up with water changes should be okay. 
A Nitrate/Phosphate question
in Forum > Questions & Answers
Hi,
I just finished my weekly water change and tested the water. According to my Salifert test, I have close to 0 Nitrate (maybe 0.1-0.3). Unfortunately, I am out of the Po4 test. I live in the arctic so it's gonna be a little while before I get my new Po4 test.
So the question is.... with close to 0 Nitrate, could I assume Po4 is also quite low and not panic?
phosphates should be ok, what were they the last time you tested the water...and where do you get water for the water changes....many times, phosphates are introduced through the water that is used for top-off and water changes especially if it is not R/O or D/I.
I think the phosphate was close to zero the last time but since then, I got a new protein skimmer (the aquatic life nano skimmer) and I kinda change the feeding routine a bit. I only use water from the tap for my tanks. Water up here is crystal clear.
Thanks
well, if you have always used tap and your phosphates tested zero then I dont see why that would change now....your phosphates should be fine....
Is there an obvious phos problem? Or just a maintenance question? I agree water changes always are the best remedy and maintenance. I had a horrible phosphate
issue when first set up my current tank, everything was right (skim, levels, water changes, etc...). It really pissed me off for a long time...then I realized there were some peices of lava rock in the tank....bad check! lava rock constantly leaches phos into the water. well after taking out the lava rock, did a 40% water change its been perfect, but what a freakin nightmare...
The Arctic? Holy hell!
