po4

[reefwreck]

so do i check po4 or phosphorus and which kit is bset

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Those are just units of measure, like feet vs meters. All test kits you are likely to encounter test for inorganic phosphate only.

While I've not used it, if I were to pick a kit, I'd use the Hanna ULR phosphorus checker as it has the lowest detectable levels.

 

[reefwreck]

i got that one it says it is over range of checker when i test

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

i got that one it says it is over range of checker when i test

High phosphate is not a disaster as some very nice tank can have phosphate over the limit of that checker, but I would look to export more, such as with macroalgae growth or a phosphate binder.

You can dilute the tank sample with new salt water and recheck. Say, 1 part tank water and 9 parts new salt water, then recheck the value. Multiply by 10 to get the actual answer.

 

[reefwreck]

i have been trying to grow microalgae but no luck start off with big ball end up with nothing do i need to check phosphate or will phosphorus tell me what i need to know

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

i have been trying to grow microalgae but no luck start off with big ball end up with nothing do i need to check phosphate or will phosphorus tell me what i need to know

As I said, they are measuring the same exact thing. The phosphorus term is just a marketing gimmick.

 

[reefwreck]

ok i get it now thanks but should'nt my algage be growing or is that too high and if so how do i get it lower

 

[lapin]

ok i get it now thanks but should'nt my algage be growing or is that too high and if so how do i get it lower

Your alage needs water flow, light, nitrate and phosphate. If you have all of those it will grow. If its not growing then you might have other issues. Could be your balance of these items is off.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

ok i get it now thanks but should'nt my algage be growing or is that too high and if so how do i get it lower

High phosphate does not deter algae in a reef tank.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

This has more:

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

 

[reefwreck]

Thanks Randy

 

[reefwreck]

Your alage needs water flow, light, nitrate and phosphate. If you have all of those it will grow. If its not growing then you might have other issues. Could be your balance of these items is off.

I use tao light on 8 hour nitrates good PO4 high as far as flow in fuge may not be enough what little bit of cheato i have mostly just sats there

 

[._Z_.]

This has more:

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

Not sure if those are the right links, Randy

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Not sure if those are the right links, Randy

They work for me. Link is the same. I often give the two link forms because cookies sometimes mess with what happens with the first one, but it shows the name of the article.

 

[._Z_.]

They work for me. Link is the same. I often give the two link forms because cookies sometimes mess with what happens with the first one, but it shows the name of the article.

Huh. Okay I’ll blame Tapatalk then. Thanks I found the article through the title