Fluval Phosphate Test Kit (80 tests) (A-7872)

• Fast and accurate liquid test to measure phosphate levels in your aquarium
• Essential for optimal water conditions 
• Store in a cool, dry place 

Accurately measure phosphate levels in your freshwater or saltwater aquarium with the Fluval Phosphate Test Kit. When organic matter decays, phosphates are released into the water and can cause undesirable algae as well as inhibit the growth of hard corals. Test as needed. 75 tests per kit. For freshwater and saltwater. 

Kit includes: 

2 x PO4 (10 ml) 
1 x PO4 (10 ml) 
1 x Pipette 
1 x Glass test tube 
Instruction booklet

WHY ANALYZE PHOSPHATE? 

There is no specific data available on the toxicity of phosphate. It is important to know the actual phosphate levels for other reasons. Phosphate in water is normally found as orthophosphate. Water with levels of either compound greater than 1 mg/L can promote unsightly algae growth in an aquarium. In salt water, algae can create problems by overgrowing certain invertebrates. Weekly analysis of phosphate offers the proper information needed to help control algae.

SOURCES OF PHOSPHATE 

The majority of phosphate originates from fish feces, excess food and the decay of organic matter such as plants, fish and other organisms. It is vital to remove decaying plant materials and excess algae before they can release assimilated phosphates as part of the organic breakdown.

A major source of phosphate results from undigested phosphorus in the fish feed. When phosphorus is released into water, it combines with oxygen to create phosphate. It is important to feed fish with a low phosphorus diet to reduce the phosphate that promotes algae growth. Fluval BUG BITES Premium Fish Food has been specifically formulated to provide the correct nutrient profile for fish while offering reduced phosphorus levels.

Phosphate can be added to an aquarium by various other sources. Some pH adjuster solutions contain high concentrations of phosphate. Also, in certain regions, municipal water supplies account for significant quantities of phosphate. It is important to obtain a water analysis of the tap water to ensure that phosphate concentrations are acceptable.

HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?

1. Take a sample of the water to be tested with the pipette. Use it to fill a clean test tube to the 5 mL line.

2. Add 3 drops of Reagent #1 to the test tube. Insert cap. Hold in place with finger and shake well to mix. Attention! Always use the cap. Avoid skin contact.

3. Add 3 drops of Reagent #2 to the test tube. Insert cap and shake well to mix.

4. Add 1 drop of Reagent #3 to the test tube (simply invert the glass bottle with an angle of 45° and product will self-dispense within 3 to 5 seconds). Insert cap and shake well to mix.

5. Wait 2 minutes for color to develop and match the test color to the closest color on the chart. For best results, hold the test tube flat against the paper and read with a light source behind you.

6. After use, rinse the tube with fresh tap water to ensure it is clean for next use.

ATTENTION: NEVER USE SOAP OR OTHER DETERGENTS TO WASH TEST TUBE. THERE IS A RISK OF PHOSPHATE CONTAMINATION.

EVALUATING THE RESULTS

0–1.0 mg/L = IDEAL PHOSPHATE RANGE 

For fresh and saltwater, the ideal concentration of phosphate should never be greater than 1 mg/L of phosphate.

1.0 mg/L 

Levels above 1 mg/L of phosphate probably show a lack of maintenance or overfeeding. The best way to reduce the phosphate level is to perform a 20% water change.

Use a Tap Water Conditioner when changing water to reduce fish stress (patented process), remove chlorine and chloramine, and neutralize heavy metals. If in doubt, test dechlorinated municipal tap water for the phosphate concentration before performing a water change. Add replacement water slowly to avoid fluctuations in other water characteristics. Add a regular dose of Biological Filter Supplement to invigorate and supplement the biological filter. Weekly use of WASTE CONTROL SUPPLEMENT in the aquarium also helps to control the phosphate level. Bacterial strains used in WASTE CONTROL SUPPLEMENT require several mineral compounds. Phosphate is an integral part and is thus incorporated within the bacterial biomass. Once part of the biomass, it cannot be used by algae.

A natural solution to control phosphate levels is to cultivate live plants in your aquarium. Phosphate is a vital compound for living plants. Aquariums in which live plants are cultivated will naturally incorporate a large percentage of available phosphate into the living system.