Phosphate

[mudslide3]

I have tried ever phosphate remover on earth nothing works. I emptied the tank changed the gravel and filled with distilled water that checked 0 phosphate so one day was good next day it’s off the charts on both test units api and a new one what is up

 

[Byron]

There may be phosphate in your source water; test (assuming you have this test from what you've posted) and report.

Second, what is the substrate composed of? If it is a plant substrate it may well (unfortu nately) be part of the source. Inert sand or gravel would not be.

Phosphates also occur obviously from feeding the fish. Inmost cases, a low-tech or natural planted tank will have more than sufficient phosphate for the plants just from fish food.

Plant fertilizers may have phosphates, do not use these, as there is no need for it.

I would hope you are not over-feeding the fish such that this is the source, and I would hope you are not using a fertilizer containing phosphate, so that leaves the substrate and probably most likely the source water.

 

[mudslide3]

Using distilled water although my tap water is only at .5 phosphate and my brand new substrate is your store bought small gravel. It’s absolutely crazy I have two test kits and they read the same like off the charts. A big water change only helps for an hour or so ??

 

[jaylach]

Using distilled water although my tap water is only at .5 phosphate and my brand new substrate is your store bought small gravel. It’s absolutely crazy I have two test kits and they read the same like off the charts. A big water change only helps for an hour or so ??

I am in no way any sort of expert on this stuff but just reading I have to suspect your substrate.

 

[mudslide3]

I am in no way any sort of expert on this stuff but just reading I have to suspect your substrate.

Gravel is brand new and rinsed , I also suspected the old gravel so I changed it and cleaned everything. I also got rid of all decorations and started all new after three months and cycling the tank I put in six fish and with perfect water tests except phosphate two fish died ? I never overfeed just one small pinch once a day and it’s gone in 30 to 60 seconds , I’m lost lol

 

[10 Tanks]

I have tried ever phosphate remover on earth nothing works. I emptied the tank changed the gravel and filled with distilled water that checked 0 phosphate so one day was good next day it’s off the charts on both test units api and a new one what is up

Hello mudslide. Phosphate isn't going to hurt your fish. But, it's very good for algae and that may create a problem. But, there isn't a better water filter than a healthy bit of algae. Just, change half the tank water weekly and you'll maintain a steady water chemistry and have a healthy tank.

10 Tanks (Now 11)