Product: Tropic Marin 28250 - Phosphate-Test for Freshwater and Saltwater
Information:
What does the phosphate value (PO4) mean?
Phosphates are important nutrients for all plants and essential for energy metabolism in every living cell. Phosphates are introduced into aquarium water by foodstuffs, but also by decadving plant matter and the decomposing organic materials. As long as phosphate is reduced to a low level by plants present in the water there is a dynamic balance between supply and demand.
An uncontrolled rise is the phosphate content can cause problems, such as heavy algae growth for example. In the marine aquarium coral growth is also severely impeded, as the crystallization of calcium needed for the formation of the calcium carbonate skeleton is hindered by the presence of phosphates.
What is the optimal phosphate value?
A value of 0, 5 ppm phosphate is acceptable for freshwater, and this value should not exceed 1 ppm. A concentration of 0, 02 ppm is considered sufficient for water plant nutrient provision. The phosphate value in a natural seawater is approximately 0, 06 ppm. This value, however, is considerably less in coral reef areas; normally concentration of between 0, 01 and 0, 02 ppm are to be found. ?
How can you determine the phosphate content quickly and accurately?
The new Tropic Marin Phosphate Test can be used both in fresh and saltwater. The phosphate content can be determined using a finely-tuned color chart which has a concentration range of 0, 02- 3 ppm. Titration tests normally work for a limited time. The shelf life of the reagents depend on various factors including storage conditions. The Tropic Marin Phosphate Test has a stamp on the front side of the pack indicating on its minimum shelf life.
When the detection of the test is no longer sufficient, no color development will be seen even at elevate phosphate levels. The reliability of the test should be tested for phosphate concentrations below 0, 1 ppm. For this purpose, add 3 drops of reagent C to a new sample. If the test shows a green-blue color development then, the reliability of the reagents is still ensured.
Directions:
- Shake the dropper bottle prior to every use.
- Rinse the glass vials several times with the water sample to be tested. Use the dosing syringe to inject 5 ml of the water sample into each of the vials.
- Now add 10 drops(to saltwater)or 12 drops(to freshwater) of phosphate test reagent A into one vial. Close the vial with the stopper provided and shake it briefly.
- Next add 3 drops of test reagent B, close the vial again and shake it briefly.
- After 60 seconds of development time open the test vial and place both vials in the comparator. Place the comparator on the color card so that the vial with the clear water sample comes to rest on a colored field and the test on the white field underneath. Look into the opened vials from above and move the comparator on the color card until both vials display the same color. Read off the phosphate from below the matching color field.
Prevention:
If your water has a phosphate concentration which is too high, we recommended to you:
- Use a highly efficient phosphate adsorber such as Tropic Marin ELIMI-PHOS or ELIMI-PHOS Longlife.
- Check food quantity and reduce if necessary.
- Check the amount of livestock and reduce if necessary.
- Remove detritus, dead plants and other waste materials.
- Encourage plant growth (in aquariums: Caulerpas and soft corals).
- Carry out a partial water change.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Don't add water to the reagents!
- Phosphate test reagent A contains sulphuric acid. Cause severe burns. If the reagent comes into contact with skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with freshwater and consult a doctor.
- In the event of an accident or illness consult a physician immediately and show her/him the packaging. The reagents can be used up to 12 months after opening.
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