Excess nutrients can lead to poor water quality very quickly. If not controlled, phosphate (PO4) can rapidly build up in aquariums from fish waste and uneaten food, decomposing algae and other organic matter, and aquarium supplements and tap water that contain phosphate. Phosphate is important to the aquarium in many ways, but when it accumulates too rapidly it can contribute to undesirable algae blooms. In saltwater systems, high phosphate can also affect the calcium and magnesium levels, inhibiting proper coral growth. Conversely, too low phosphate can limit nitrifying bacteria’s ability to convert nitrite to nitrate. Phosphate is also necessary for aquatic plants to photosynthesize.

To remove childproof safety cap, push down while turning.

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Add 6 drops from Phosphate Test Solution Bottle #1, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to ensure uniformity of drops added to the water sample.
3. Cap the test tube and gently shake several times to mix solution. Attention! Always use the cap. Avoid skin contact as this may affect the test results.
4. Add 6 drops from Phosphate Test Solution Bottle #2, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to ensure uniformity of drops to the water sample.
5. Cap the test tube and shake for one 5 seconds.
6. Wait three minutes for the color to develop.
7. Read the test results by matching the color of the solution against those on the Phosphate Test Color Chart.

Corrective Actions:

To reduce phosphate, perform partial water changes and use MaxOut, or MaxOut Pro all-in-one filter media products, or FritzZyme 360/460.

To increase phosphate, add Fritz pH Neutralizer or any high-phosphate supplement or fish food, or perform partial water changes with tap water high in phosphate.