Phosphate in reef tank or PO4 is a Phosphorus (P) molecule, ranking among the top 14 of the 70 trace elements found in natural seawater that are thought to be necessary for reef tanks and saltwater aquariums. The average oceanic PO4 level is 0.07 parts per million (ppm); note this value for future use. Let’s learn about phosphate in reef tanks with fishtankenthusiast.com.
How do phosphates affect saltwater aquariums?
Phosphate is the main source of nutrients for many types of algae, especially green hair algae, so when high concentrations accumulate in the aquarium, it will pave the way for strong algal blooms to occur.
Phosphates promote the growth of brown algae in coral tissue, obscuring the coral’s natural color pigment and causing the coral to turn brown. It also limits the absorption of calcium carbonate needed for the coral skeleton to develop.
Where do phosphate in reef tank come from?
Phosphate in reef tank are introduced into saltwater systems in a variety of ways, such as: By using unfiltered tap water to make a sea salt mixture or as a tonic.
Through many commonly used aquarium products, such as certain sea salt mixtures ( compare levels ), activated carbon, KH buffers, tank food and many other sources. Tap water or any other fresh water source and new products used in your aquarium should be tested in advance for phosphates as well as nitrates. Why add more things to the tank that you don’t need to cause problems?
How much phosphate is too much?
As aquarists, we can infer that phosphate is essential for your reef tank and recommended levels for reef tanks are highly debated and have certainly changed over the years. For most reef tanks no more than 2-3 years old, phosphate levels should be kept very low to avoid problems. You will see recommendations of 0.02 to 0.05 ppm as the most common answer.
On the other hand, we have all seen real life reef tanks thriving at much higher levels than this at 0.1 ppm and above. In most cases, these higher phosphate tanks are much more mature with larger coral populations and diverse biological filters.
So, the real answer is – it depends on the tank, each tank is different. I know you hate that answer, but let me explain. If your corals are continuously growing and harmful algae are under control… then phosphate levels are fine for your aquarium. If you have an algae problem, reduce the phosphate and see how the tank reacts. The idea is to reduce levels to levels that inhibit algae growth and where corals still thrive, then maintain phosphate levels at that level.
How to reduce high phosphate levels?
Optimal phosphate levels, especially for reef tanks, are unmeasurable, or zero, with 0.05 ppm-mg/l being acceptable and levels above 0.1 ppm also quoted . Having a good, reliable phosphate testing kit is very important. FINS recommends the brands Hach and LaMotte as good choices. Sailfert also seems to have a good, accurate phosphate test, but the Sea Chem scale measures too high.
The following are solutions to help reduce high phosphate levels in saltwater aquariums.
Regular maintenance routines with water changes are always recommended for a healthy aquarium. This helps control phosphates, DOC, nitrates and many other unwanted chemicals and compounds in saltwater systems that contribute to water quality problems.
You can use commercially available phosphate removal products, such as Sea Chem’s PhosGuard, Kent Marine’s Phosphate Sponge, and Two Little Fishies Phosban. Luis Mercado conducted tests on phosphate and silicate removal compounds using these four products, and the results showed that all four products had relatively good results. Poly filter material from Poly Bio Marine Inc. Recommended for use, along with other leading nitrate absorption products.
Note that when using absorbent materials or compounds, they need to be changed or rejuvenated regularly, because once they are saturated, they are depleted. This means they can no longer absorb anything, and what you’re trying to remove just stays in your system.
Another simple, inexpensive method for extracting PO4 from your aquarium water is the “vodka method”. This method (periodically adding small amounts of vodka or ethanol to the aquarium) has been shown to be effective in sequestering both nitrate (NO3) and phosphate (PO4) when used in conjunction with a protein skimmer.
Best Phosphate Test Kit
Having a reliable phosphate testing kit is important if you plan to maintain a reef aquarium. Whether you are keeping fish like pink striped grouper or have just purchased Candy Crush mushroom corals, controlling phosphate levels is essential.
There are many phosphate testing kits to choose from, below are the top three we recommend:
Hanna Low Range Phosphate Colorimeter
This Rhode Island-based company has been making scientific equipment since the 1970s, so it’s no surprise that their low-range phosphate colorimeter is one of our favorites . At around $64, although a bit pricey, this device is known for its accuracy and compact size. It runs on one AAA battery and its portable design makes it a must-have for any serious chiller.
Elos PO4-Professional Phosphate Test Kit
If you live in Europe, you’re probably familiar with Elos, an Italian company that specializes in high-end aquarium equipment for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Their PO4-Professional Phosphate test kit costs around $21 and comes with a calibrated dropper, ensuring that each drop of reagent is the same size every time. The color chart provided is also calibrated to give you the best chance of getting an accurate reading.
API Phosphate Test Kit
Experienced marine aquarists may be hesitant to use an API phosphate test kit because many aquarists have reported inaccurate results. However, at around $15 and easily found on sites like Amazon, this kit is an economical option. If accurate testing is important for your corals, you may want to consider other options beforehand.
Choosing a suitable phosphate testing kit will help you maintain an ideal environment for your reef aquarium, ensuring the health and sustainable development of the organisms in the tank.
Conclusion
Phosphate in reef tank is an important factor in maintaining the health and beauty of this ecosystem. High phosphate can cause serious problems such as excessive algae growth, reduced coral vitality and environmental imbalance. To control phosphate, players need to regularly check phosphate levels, use effective filtration methods, limit excess food and choose appropriate species to balance the ecosystem.
By paying attention and applying proper phosphate management practices, you can create a healthy, colorful, and sustainable reef tank. This not only brings joy and satisfaction but also contributes to protecting the small marine environment you are caring for. Follow the website fishtankenthusiast.com to update more types of fish, marine life and how to care for fish.
