Red Sea 21480 Phosphate Test Kit User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- Red Sea
Table of Contents
MARINE CARE PROGRAM
Phosphate Test Kit
User Manual
The importance of Algae Nutrients control (Phosphate and Nitrate)
Controlling nuisance algae in a mixed reef aquarium is one of the major struggles which face most hobbyists. An algae outbreak must be monitored and treated immediately before it will overgrow the corals and release its toxins into the water. Algae toxins may cause severe damage to corals, invertebrates, and even fish. Unfortunately, the aquarium provides water, light, and nutrients which are the perfect conditions for algae growth. The optimal way to control algae is therefore based on monitoring the amount of Algae nutrients such as phosphate and Nitrate.
Algae nutrient monitoring (Phosphate and Nitrate)
To reduce algae outbreaks but keep enough nutrients for a mixed reef, set the algae nutrient at the minimum levels necessary to maintain a sufficient population of Zooxanthellae that provide the energy to the corals for their growth. For this to work properly it is necessary to ensure: Algae nutrient levels of 1 – 2 ppm nitrate and 0.1ppm phosphate. It is crucial to monitor both phosphate and nitrate and therefore it is recommended to use Red Sea’s Marine Care Nitrite/Nitrate test kit.
General instructions for testing
- Before testing, clean the glass vial and the large syringe by rinsing with water to be tested.
- After testing rinse all syringes and vials with RO or distilled water before storing. If vials are left unwashed a residue can form that will affect the results of future tests.
- Use a slightly acidic solution such as vinegar to remove the residue.
- In order to ensure an accurate drop size always hold the reagent bottle vertically above the test vial and gently squeeze out each drop.
- Close all reagents tightly immediately after use.
- The test reagents are stable up to the date stated on the pack when stored closed between 15 – 25 °C.
- Store the reagents and color cards in the box to prevent damage from prolonged exposure to light.
Directions for Phosphate Test Kit
Red Sea’s Marine Care Phosphate test kit provides easy measurement of Phosphate with a detection resolution of 0.1 ppm.
- Using the syringe provided, place exactly 17 ml of the water to be tested into the glass vial.
- Add 10 drops of Phosphate Reagent A to the vial.
- Close the vial with the cap and shake for 10 seconds.
- Add 2 drops of Phosphate Reagent B.
- Close the vial with the cap and shake for 10 seconds.
- Wait 6 minutes for the color in the vial to stabilize.
- Remove the cap from the reaction vial and move it between the designated positions on the Phosphate color card, look into the vial from above and compare the color in the vial to the colors on the card. Choose the phosphate level that gives the closest color match and if necessary estimate an intermediate value. The color is stable for 2 minutes.
High Range: For levels of phosphate above 1 ppm dilute 1ml of the water to be tested with 16ml of RO water. Run the test and multiply the test result by 17.
Red Sea Aquatics (UK)
PO Box 1237
Cheddar, BS279AG
uk.info@redseafish.com| Red Sea U.S.A
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Parkway #150
Houston, TX 77032, U.S.A
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