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Make-up water high in PO4

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  • #1

    Make-up water high in PO4

    I got my new toy, the Hannah colormeter for PO4, last week and proceeded to test my tank water at .11 . So I increased Start2 by 50% at one of my dosings at GTR's suggestion to see where that gets me. A week later right at .11 again. I decided to test my make-up water and it came out at .17 . Not good!!! This probably means my salt water and my fresh water for top off are just pumping in PO4 into the tank. I am fighting an uphill battle with make up water like this. So I am going to swap out my two pre-filters and test that make up water next week and see what I get...The DI filter is still good, at least by the color change. I think I am going to have a scheduled swap out of the filters, especially the first one much more often, especially if this proves to lower the PO4 in the make up water. This colormeter is such an awesome piece of equipment...love it .

    BTW, those of you with the Hannah colormeter can you test fresh RO/DI water without the salt added??
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  • #2
    Originally posted by slojmn
    BTW, those of you with the Hannah colormeter can you test fresh RO/DI water without the salt added??
    Yes :P

    The hanna is interesting right? You start to test everything and end up figuring out where is the source of PO4 and slowly eliminate them one by one.

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    • #3
      Hi Alicia, good defective work, & sure, one can Hanna test the product water[just be sure to use the reagent]. My guess is the pre-filters & possibly your TFC-RO membrane are oversaturated[or mal-functioning] leaching P04's back into your product water. I'd replace it if it's over 1 yr. old, or if the change in pre-filters does not product lower P04's. in the make-up. You can also add a 2nd DI canister for help lower P04's. My source water TDS in Columbus is 450 & I need to replace my DI filter at least once a month Bob
      "There might be something to this ZEOvit"

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      • #4
        Bob, TDS-450 , wow that is the pits. My source water tests on the TDS meter around 79. I will definately replace the first 2 cartridges and re-test the output water, then move on to the DI and test, then if those fail I will replace the membrane and see what I get. With PO4 at .17 coming into the tank the zeo is doing some good work at getting it lower. If I can get the make-up water PO4 down then the tank may drop somewhat just from that. Here's to hoping

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        • #5
          Alicia, if you don't want to replace your cartridges, maybe you could run your RO/DI through a container (or mesh bag) with either a Fe or Al based PO4 absorber? Like you said, eliminate as much PO4 import into your system, it will make a world of a difference...
          Fish eat poop....tastes just like chicken.

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          • #6
            Gary, Excellent idea. I think I will replace the first two cartridges, they are due anyways. I'll try running it through the PO4 remover stuff I run my Ca reactor effluent through and see what I get. I'll do a little cost analysis while I am it. Those membranes are expensive compared to PO4 remover. I have replaced the membrane only once in 5+ years so it is probably due as well.

            How often should I replace the PO4 remover...every 30-40 gallons run through it? Or is it best to test for PO4 and when it jumps up replace? I knew I should have ordered the 300 tests reagent pack.

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            • #7
              Alicia, you should be able to use your PO4 media for quite a while. Just check it once in a while (that way you get to play with your Hanna ).
              Fish eat poop....tastes just like chicken.

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              • #8
                I may be able to hold off on the PO4 media in my make-up water. I changed out the first two filters in my RO/DI kit and the PO4 dropped to .02 ...most excellent. So I figure in the next 4-8 weeks I should see a continued decline in PO4 in my system as I do water changes and top off with better water. This makes me happy. I still think I need to change out my membrane but I am going to go a little longer and keep checking the PO4 and watch my TDS readings better.
                Gary, I love this toy...the Hannah colormeter is so easy to use and will really help me to stay on target in all aspects of my reef.

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                • #9
                  Good news Alicia, but the TFC-membrane must be saturated. With it's change, you will prolong the life of all the filters in your R/ODI unit. I change mine once a year, regardless. It's tough enough maintaining low nutrients w/o having your product water causing problems Bob
                  "There might be something to this ZEOvit"

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