How to Test Phosphates Episode in a Saltwater Reef Tank 16 pt 3 46 14

Reef tank 13 years ago 20,822 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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TheFishTank Doc. - 10 years ago

This test kit does not test down to Zero, as 0.25 is the lowst it will tast. 0.2 will give you a reading of zero but not realy zero. Your vid is nice it is just the A.P.I test is a bit pointless. You need one that goes down to 0.03 or below. You have have a very nice 60g cube!!.

Austin Davis - 10 years ago

kinda like dude below said i use chemi pure elite and phosphate sponge and do water changes every 2 weeks and mine stay in between .25 and .5 too

Austin Davis - 10 years ago

do not siphon your sand out if you did that every 2 weeks you would have no sand after a year lol

JIMIBONEZ l - 11 years ago

I use it it works

sounduser - 12 years ago

yeah I got one with a reef master test kit. Wouldnt want people to waste money on one though.

jbliss2000007 - 12 years ago

Well its what I started with a year ago but I've moved on

sounduser - 12 years ago

Kit*

sounduser - 12 years ago

Pointless test kid. If your level is 0.25 its already too high. Its really hate to guess what the level between 0 and 0.25 are on the card.

z3dzo - 12 years ago

Thanks JB! I will definitely try and look up some of those magazines as well to enhance my learning. :-) Please keep the videos coming! They're very educational and to the point. For someone completely new to the hobby they're awesome. I have seen all of them and learnt lots! Peace.

10. comment for How to Test Phosphates Episode in a Saltwater Reef Tank 16 pt 3

jbliss2000007 - 12 years ago

Research is key and I read alot from advance aquarist, reef central, reef 2 reef, reef keeping hobbyist magazine, TOTM, Ultimate reef just to name a few. I have seen so many technique from all over the world and every ways work for them. Who know, yours could be the next dominate one.

jbliss2000007 - 12 years ago

I also do weekly water change of 20% on all my tanks. This is just the way I take care of my tank. I am no expert or guru but I do post "MY" thoughts on how the route I am taking toward the reef tank is working.

jbliss2000007 - 12 years ago

1. Every hobbyist has their own way of taking care of their system, with that said I can’t comment on newyorksteelo's vids. Those are his opinions from his experiences. I remove the top layer from my system once a year or more if needed, due to lack of flow, ditritus build up or undesolved matter located on my sand bed. I slowly and careful stip the top of the bed. I sometime do release gas chamber from the bed but I always do a water change after that little spring cleaning.

z3dzo - 12 years ago

Cool video dude! I'm a complete novice and I have a couple of questions please: 1. I've heard in newyorksteelo's vids that under no circumstances must you disturb a live sand bed as it will kill beneficial organisms. You suggested that vacuuming your sand bed might help reduce your PO4 levels. How 'dangerous' is it to disturb a live sand bed? In a tank the size of yours it's only a sand bed would it matter? 2. How good is the algae in ur refugium at controlling your PO4 levels. Thanks dude!

mkaywilson - 13 years ago

Thumbs up. Very good vid.

jbliss2000007 - 13 years ago

@Springs24 I actually dont test my water anymore. I can look at my tank and tell whats wrong with it

Mike Bradley - 13 years ago

I like SeaChem's tests...

jbliss2000007 - 13 years ago

@dm002a8686 go to your channel, then click on "video and playlist" and set autoplay

jbliss2000007 - 13 years ago

@kevinduong4 Lyfe Jennings- Spotlight

kia2600g - 13 years ago

Good job. Glad to see more. kia2600g - Sweden

20. comment for How to Test Phosphates Episode in a Saltwater Reef Tank 16 pt 3

jbliss2000007 - 13 years ago

@adjusterfrank Thanks man, i' ll keep them coming

Frank Vadala - 13 years ago

very good video bro!!!

djdoggiedog - 13 years ago

Good Video Jbliss, Look forward to your next one DJ

krug1313 - 13 years ago

Nice vid bro. Keep up the great work

About How to Test Phosphates Episode in a Saltwater Reef Tank 16 pt 3

The "How to Test Phosphates Episode in a Saltwater Reef Tank 16 pt 3" video is part of the reef tank, salt water category, which contains similar videos like this one.