Phosphorus verse phosphate

[Bodyguard]

Hello all,

Is phosphorus the same thing as phosphate? Got a ICP test and it shows phosphorus.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Phosphorus is an atom, P. The pink part of my avatar!

Phosphate is a molecule with a central phosphorus and several oxygen atoms (red in my avatar) and some hydrogens attached.

The ICP measurement counts all forms of P, but it is mostly phosphate.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

This has more:

Phosphate In The Reef Aquarium
https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/?p=3184

 

[Bodyguard]

This has more:

Phosphate In The Reef Aquarium
https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/?p=3184

Thanks Randy for the info!