How to Test Phosphates Episode in a Saltwater Reef Tank 16 pt 3
Reef tank 13 years ago 20,776 views
These are the instructions for the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Phosphate Test Kit. What Are Phosphates? Phosphate or PO 4 is a compound of Phosphorus (P), one of the top 14 out of 70 trace elements found in natural sea water that are considered to be essential for saltwater aquarium and reef tank systems. However, it is also a primary nutrient source for many forms of algae, particularly green hair species, so when high concentrations are allowed to accumulate in an aquarium, it then opens the door for aggressive algae blooms to occur. Phosphate can enter your aquarium through tap water, fish waste, and decaying organics such as uneaten food and dead algae. Excess phosphate contributes to unsightly algae blooms. This kit tests phosphate levels from 0 to 10 ppm in fresh and saltwater aquariums. Why test for phosphate? While phosphate is required by fish and plants, too much phosphate can lead to cloudy water conditions. In saltwater aquariums, phosphate precipitates dissolved calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions, inhibiting the growth of hard corals and other reef-building organisms
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