phosphate levels

[mmedley]

hey guys
i just bought a phosphate test kit and my water tested at .4.....the kit i have does not tell me what a "good" level is......so i am just wondering if this is good or bad.....

 

[t316]

What brand is it?

 

[mmedley]

instant ocean

 

[t316]

Well, I'm not familiar with IO's test kits, but most all tests should have the same outcome, which is that you want a "0" reading. My tests use a color code bar, but still translates into numbers. You posted that you have a ".4". If this is correct, then you are pretty good. But if you meant "4", with no decimal point, then....'Houston, we have a problem'. Which is it? There is a major difference.

 

[dpeter51]

Just curious what the consequences are since you said it is a problem...my LFS tested mine at about 3 and said that it was at the top of the chart or off of it. It's a FOWLR tank, I got the LR used from a local aquarist that said it had been in a tank for 10 years before he bought it. I'm using RODI water from my LFS and not adding any funny chemicals or anything, just Oceanic salt and flake/refrigerated fish foods. Any idea why my phosphates are so high? Maybe it's leeching out of the LR?

 

[nycbob]

i'd try testing the rodi water u put in ur tank 1st. food also has phosphate, but shouldnt be that high with regular water change.

 

[lion_crazz]

Yep, definitely try testing the RO water you put in and the water you make up from your batch of salt.