JBL ProAqua PO4 test kit (Measure Low Phopshate Level)

Description

Determines the phosphate value for perfect plant growth or possible cause of algae growth in freshwater/marine water & ponds
Laboratory comparator system to compensate the inherent water colour: fill glass vials with sample water, add reagents to a vial, place vials in holder, read values off colour chart
Use: when setting up a new freshwater or marine aquarium: once a week. With algae problems and for checking tap water
You will find detailed information and troubleshooting tips about water analysis on the JBL website in Essentials/Aquarium or Pond
Package contents: 1 test kit for approx. 50 measurements, incl. 2 reagents, 2 glass vials with screw caps, syringe, dosing spoon, comparator block and colour scale.

Healthy aquarium/healthy pond with conditions close to nature

The right water values depend on the fish stock and the plants in the aquarium/pond. Even if the water looks clear it can be contaminated. With bad values diseases or algae can appear in the aquarium/pond. To maintain a healthy aquarium/pond with conditions close to nature it is important to check and adapt the water values regularly.

For each water analysis JBL provides water tests in the form of quick tests or colour change tests. These determine a certain value or several values in one go. With these water tests you can recognise algae problems and negative nitrate, nitrite, potassium, magnesium values etc.

Why test?

In an aquarium, phosphate primarily enters the water as a result of the digestive processes of the fish or in the form of food remains. In ponds, phosphate primarily enters the water as a result of leaves and dying pond plants/algae. If conditions are unfavourable, the phosphate levels may reach values that are sometimes 100 times higher, and more, than natural levels. Undesirable algae will then multiply exponentially as an inevitable consequence.

Recommended phosphate values:
Freshwater aquarium (community aquarium): 0-0.4 mg/l
Lake Malawi/Lake Tanganyika aquarium: 0-0.4 mg/l
Plant aquarium with few fish (aquascaping): 0.1-1.5 mg/l
Marine aquarium: 0-0.1 mg/l
Pond: <0.05 mg/l

JBL ProAqua PO4 Phosphate Test Kit for SG Tanks

Phosphate is the algae fuel most Singapore keepers cannot see until the green starts spreading, and this low-range PO4 kit lets you catch it early in freshwater, marine and pond water. The comparator design compares a reacted vial against a plain one to cancel any water tint, so even a tea-coloured planted scape gives an honest reading. In our warm, well-fed tanks phosphate climbs from leftover food and waste, so regular testing is how you stay ahead of nuisance algae.

In a planted tank a small amount of phosphate is a nutrient plants need, so the aim is balance rather than zero; in a reef or algae-prone display you want it kept low. Test when setting up, weekly thereafter, and the moment algae appears, and also check your tap water, since the supply itself can contribute. Knowing the number tells you whether to lean on water changes or phosphate-removing media.

To act on a high reading, see our phosphate management guide and the complete algae guide. Find more kits in our water testing and care range.