Is My Phosphate Too High

[gizmo001i]

Hi,
I have a planted tank which has been up and running with new plants for about 3 - 4 weeks now. It is the tank in my signature. The water quality is as follows:

CO2 @ 33.5 ppm
Nitrite @ 0ppm
Nitrate @ 20ppm
KH @ 11
PH @ 7.0
Ammonia @ 0
Phosphate @ 1ppm

I know that the other levels are good, but is my Phosphate level high and if so, could it be the cause of the algae. My lighting is around 2.5 wpg at the moment and it is a fairly heavily planted tank. I also do 25% water changes each week and use propriety plant fertilisers at the moment (following the manufacturers instructions). I will be using the IE method once I have got my head around it lol. Any advice will be most welcome.
Ian

 

[craynerd]

nope, my t/w is 5ppm + it maxies out my test kit! If you start EI you will probably add a little. Certainly not the direct cause of ur algae issue.

What type of algae is it ? What lighting are u using?

EDIT..sorry i see in ur sig. 120W

I would put it down to your fert method then...maybe the ferts are limited in one nutrient and therefore reducing your optimum plant growth, hence allowing algae to creep in! EI would make sure you are covered in all your nutrients!

I would wait for more experience comments! good luck