Understanding phosphates ...

[allboutthe305]

I'm new to testing for phosphates. I just got a Red Sea phosphate pro test kit. I don't understand it 1 bit. I followed the testing instructions and mine came out before .36-.64ppm. The color chart shows PO4 test. Looking in the instructions at the table it shows that PO4 .36-.36 would be P-PO4 of .120-.213. What number do you go by? The PO4 or the P-PO4?

Or do I have this completely backwards? Someone please help me understand this.

 

[allboutthe305]

I have no algae problem by the way.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Almost no reef hobbyists use the PO4-P number. Use the higher value.

I discuss phosphate here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/phosphate-in-the-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley/

 

[allboutthe305]

Almost no reef hobbyists use the PO4-P number. Use the higher value.

I discuss phosphate here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/phosphate-in-the-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley/

Thanks.

Quite a bit of reading. Should keep me busy for a while. Haha