Snail spawning and water testing

[AdamNC]

As I’m typing this my Trochus snails decided to have a “spawning event”. Today is normally when I do my testing of everything. Will the gamete that’s in the water column give false readings on any tests? ie: SG, No3 and Po4.

This tank was crystal clear 5 mins before this pic.

 

[LIreefguy]

Test today then test tomorrow

Let’s find out

 

[AdamNC]

Test today then test tomorrow

Let’s find out

I would but don’t want to waste the Hanna Po4 test reagent. I only have 3 packets left and a week and a half till payday. Just had to go out and get a qt setup for my FW Planted tank. My poor Cardinal Tetras got ich and already passed it to one of my Lyrtail Mollies. Don’t want to treat in the tank as I have snails in there too.

 

[AdamNC]

Well I waited until it cleared up back to normal and No3 and Po4 were a little bit higher than normal. I normally test out at No3 1-3ppm and Po4 0.03-0.05. Today it tested at No3 5ppm Red Sea Pro and Po4 0.08 Hanna ppm checker.

I will say it must have been a really good food source because all my SPS and LPS were at full polyp extension and my Horrida even had sweepers out.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don't think it will give a false high reading for nitrate and phosphate.

The actual nitrate and phosphate levels levels may rise as any of those suspended organisms begin to die and be broken down.