60 tests. Detects 0.1 to 3.0 ppm of phosphate PO43- ion in marine and freshwater aquariums.
Introduction to Phosphate
All living matter, both animal and plant, contains about 1% Phosphorus in the form of Phosphate (PO43-). Every time the fish are fed, some Phosphate is introduced into the aquarium. Waste products of the fish and bacterial breakdown of food remains also introduce Phosphate into the water.
In nature a true Phosphorus cycle exists. Phosphate is an important plant fertilizer that stimulates plant growth at very low concentrations. The Phosphate level in unpolluted natural waters is always very low, and Plants use so much that there is always a demand for it.
In the aquarium, the fish density is much higher than in nature. In most aquariums the plant growth is insufficient to use up all the Phosphate that is added with feeding, therefore it accumulates in the water. This leads to several undesirable effects, in particular blue, green and hair algae find favorable conditions and grow very fast. Marine invertebrates like corals may loose their zooxanthellae, (tiny brown algae that live in the tissue of invertebrates leading to degeneration and eventually to the death of these sensitive animals.
Especially in a reef aquarium, the Phosphate level should be checked every week. The concentration should be as low as possible with 0.3 ppm as an absolute maximum for the reef aquarium. Higher concentrations than this value are not in any way toxic for marine or freshwater fish—the danger lies only in the fact that the water gets over fertilized, which results in algae growth and harm to invertebrates.
Recommendations
To prevent build up of Phosphate:
- Keep the fish density low.
- Do not overfeed.
- Stimulate plant growth (in the marine aquarium, higher algae like Caulerpa’s, as well as soft corals will efficiently use Phosphate).
- Remove detritus, dead plants and other dirt.
- Perform regular water changes. Use Red Sea’s Red Sea Salt for the marine aquarium. This top quality salt contains neither Phosphate nor Nitrate.
- For the marine aquarium: use good protein skimmers like Red Sea’s Berlin or Prizm Protein Skimmers. These highly efficient skimmers clear up waste material, before it can decompose to Phosphate and Nitrate. This Phosphate and Nitrate build up is limited or prevented.
The Red Sea Test Kit line is definitely one of the best value to be found at under $10. All warranty and claims should be directed towards Red Sea Fish Pharmaceuticals.
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Customer Reviews
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Write a review
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
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Excellent!
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It's a test kit.
by RICHARD WATSON
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Experience Level: Intermediate
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Posted on 11/30/2007 from ARCADE, NY UNITED STATES
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Comments: Good test kit, easy to read, easy to use. Go with it.
Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
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Excellent!
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Red Sea Phosphate Testing Kit
by DENISE MCLEAN
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Experience Level: Intermediate
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Posted on 5/16/2008 from SOUTH CHINA, ME UNITED STATES
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Comments: Excellent reading, I'm pleased.
Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.
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