po4 spike after starting bactobalance

[BirdFish5000]

Prior to beginning use of np bactobalance, my no3/po4 numbers were 5/.10

After a week of dosing 25% of recommended dose, my no3 has gone down to 3, but phosphates have jumped up to .45
No other changes, same fish feeding amounts

What's going on here?

 

[Pod_01]

Prior to beginning use of np bactobalance, my no3/po4 numbers were 5/.10

After a week of dosing 25% of recommended dose, my no3 has gone down to 3, but phosphates have jumped up to .45
No other changes, same fish feeding amounts

What's going on here?

Hmmm…. just some ideas, there is interference from something or the test kit needs to be replaced or the test was done after feeding.
Out of curiosity what test kit are you using and did you re do the test few times like 3 or 5 to ensure consistent results.
Also re-read all instructions and shake or stir the vial. I had a kit that had odd results and the issue was I was not mixing it long enough / vigorously enough.
Last thing is to clean all the test equipment.

 

[Hans-Werner]

Prior to beginning use of np bactobalance, my no3/po4 numbers were 5/.10

After a week of dosing 25% of recommended dose, my no3 has gone down to 3, but phosphates have jumped up to .45
No other changes, same fish feeding amounts

What's going on here?

Do you use any method that elevates pH? For example kalkwasser or carbonate dosing.

I guess the organic carbon in NP-Bacto-Balance has not only kept the phosphate dosed with the product dissolved and available but also mobilized precipitated phosphate.

It is normal that nitrate goes down, even with Plus-NP. It is because our products make little use of nitrate as nitrogen compound but mainly dose organic nitrogen compounds together with some ammonium and nitrate.