Tropic Marin Tropic Marin Phosphate Test

Product Description

Tropic Marin Phosphate Test (PO4) - 50 tests

The Tropic Marin Phosphate Test (PO4) is an easy-to-use water test for your saltwater aquarium. It includes everything (solution + accessories) you need to successfully measure your phosphate level (PO4).
The water test is easy to use and provides accurate results.

Tropic Marin Phosphate Test (PO4) - For determining phosphate concentration

Phosphates (PO43–) are essential nutrients for all plants and indispensable for the energy metabolism of every living cell. Phosphates enter the aquarium water through food and the decomposition of organic matter. However, an uncontrolled increase in phosphate levels can cause problems, such as excessive algae growth. Additionally, in saltwater aquariums, phosphates can significantly hinder the precipitation of calcium carbonate needed to build the calcareous skeletons of stony corals, thereby impeding their growth. On the other hand, with a high density of plants or corals and a low density of fish, phosphate can also become a deficient element that must be supplemented.

In natural seawater, the phosphate level is approximately 0.06 mg/l. However, this value is significantly lower in coral reef environments, where concentrations range between 0.01 and 0.02 mg/l. Corresponding levels should be maintained in a saltwater aquarium depending on the specific stocking. For freshwater setups, a phosphate level of up to 0.4 mg/l is appropriate, though 1 mg/l should not be exceeded. A concentration of 0.02 mg/l is already considered sufficient to meet the nutrient needs of aquatic plants. The phosphate concentration in the aquarium water should therefore be checked regularly.

With the Tropic Marin® PO4 Test, the phosphate concentration can be accurately determined using a color scale in the range of 0.03 to 3 mg/l.

Recommendations for Use

1. Shake the dropper bottles before use! Assemble the comparator and have it ready.

    

2. Rinse both glass cuvettes with tap water and then several times with aquarium water.

    

3. Using the dosing syringe, fill each glass cuvette with exactly 5 ml of aquarium water. Set one of the two water samples aside as a reference.

    

4. Now add the KH test reagent drop by drop (shaking the cuvette after each drop) until the color of the solution changes from TURQUOISE BLUE to PINK.

    

5. Add 10 drops (for saltwater) or 12 drops (for freshwater) of Test Reagent A to the test cuvette, seal the glass cuvette with the stopper, and shake the sample briefly.

    

6. Then add 4 drops of Test Reagent B, reseal the glass cuvette, and shake it briefly.

    

7. After a 2-minute development time, place the open test cuvette and the reference cuvette containing the water sample into the comparator. Position the comparator on the color chart so that the reference cuvette is on a colored field and the test cuvette is on a white field.

    

8. Now compare the corresponding fields. To do this, look into the open cuvettes from above. Move the comparator on the color chart until both cuvettes show the same color.

    

9. Read the measured phosphate value under the corresponding color field. If the colors do not match exactly, an intermediate value must be determined.

    

10. After the measurement, thoroughly rinse the glass cuvettes and syringe with tap water.

Shelf Life
: The reagents are stable for 6 months after opening. Store in a cool, dark place.
You can find the complete instruction manual as a PDF document here: Phosphate Test