Description
Product:
Phosphate (PO4) is present our water sources and therefore aquarium.
While phosphate does not directly harm your fish, even at high levels, the algae blooms that result from elevated phosphate can ultimately cause problems for the aquarium inhabitants, however.
Green water that is high in algae can change the water pH (acid-base balance) and decrease the oxygen, which can harm the fish and even result in death.
Phosphate naturally increases as wastes are broken down within the aquarium. In addition to being internally produced, phosphate can enter the aquarium from external sources. Everything from fish food to the chemicals used to buffer the water to the tap water itself can contain significant amounts of phosphate.
Phosphate sources may include uneaten food, plant decay, fish waste, carbon filter media, aquarium salts, pH/kH buffers and even our tap water.
Phosphate can be reduced by,
The primary source of phosphate in an aquarium is flake food. Cut back on the frequency and amount of food and remove any uneaten food.
Regular water changes will help keep phosphate levels from rising. Change 10 to 15 fifteen percent weekly, using a low phosphate water source.
Keeping the tank free of debris and algae will help avoid phosphate build up. Vacuum the bottom frequently to remove uneaten food, plant decay, and fish waste.
Cleaning the filter media helps as well.
Instructions:
Add 10ml of aquarium water in to the test vial.
Add 4 droplets of the PO4-1 reagent and swirl gently for 10 seconds.
Add 1 scoop of the PO4-2 reagent and swirl gently for another 30 seconds.
Place the test vial against the color chart to obtain reading.
Planted tanks usually require a phosphate level of 0.25 – 1 mg/L (=ppm)
Note:
Keep out of the reach of children! Only for aquarium hobby use.
The use of protective gloves and eye protection is recommended.
Please read the instructions carefully before using the product.
Salifert:
Salifert is a Netherlands base company that produces top of the line test kits as well as tank additives and foods for marine and reef aquariums.
Salifert is well established and popular with hobbyist for their accurate and affordable test kits.
Chasing Down Algae with the Salifert Freshwater Phosphate Test
Phosphate is the silent algae fuel, and this Salifert freshwater PO4 kit is how we help local hobbyists find the source of a persistent green tank. Phosphate does not directly harm fish, but in our warm 27-29C tanks it pairs with light to drive algae blooms that then crash oxygen and shift pH. It builds from fish waste and uneaten food, and it also sneaks in through some tap water and lower-grade fish foods.
Testing both your tank and a sample of treated tap water often reveals whether the problem is internal load or your incoming supply, which changes how you fix it. If readings stay high despite water changes, the usual culprits are overfeeding and overstocking rather than the water itself. Shake the reagents, keep them sealed and cool, and replace them once past their shelf life for trustworthy low-range results.
Browse our water testing and care range, and our phosphate management guide, algae control guide and water testing mistakes show how to bring it down.
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