Phosphate Testing

Craigdillman · #1 12-21-2013, 05:16 AM

I have the elos test kit and It's by far the best phosphate kit out there minus the Hanna checkers digital read out ( come on Santa)

Never had any issues

Make sure to look down the tube with lid off the color is VERY faint tint of blue it doesn't change like a nitrate test does

Reef Pilot · #2 12-21-2013, 01:03 PM

With the Hanna, there are a few things you have to be careful with to ensure that you get consistent and accurate test results. But sure beats the heck out of all the color test kits. I used to think I had low phosphates, until I got the Hanna.

The Guy · #3 12-21-2013, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

With the Hanna, there are a few things you have to be careful with to ensure that you get consistent and accurate test results. But sure beats the heck out of all the color test kits. I used to think I had low phosphates, until I got the Hanna.

Me too, I was shocked

craigwmiller · #4 12-21-2013, 04:52 PM

Well after much more prep and vial cleaning and careful testing, I think I have 0.00 phosphate, which is good I suppose.

I mainly got all in a panic since I added some base rock (15 lbs) about 6 weeks ago and some large dry rock (20 lbs) shelves about 2 months ago (the shelves at least cycled in a rubbermaid for a while) -- but on last test ~ 3 weeks ago it was around 0.08-ish, so dropping to 0 is odd, but 2 hanna tests, and 2 elos tests show nadda

...so I suppose I can trust the SPS:

Cal_stir · #5 12-21-2013, 06:33 PM

I have elos po4, it always reads 0, i have a hanna phosphorous ulr also and it read 32ppb = 0.098 ppm, I know for a fact that I don't have 0 po4 so I go by the hanna, I increased my gfo and my po4 has dropped to 11 ppb = 0.034ppm so I am inclined to believe the hanna.

Craigdillman · #6 12-21-2013, 06:33 PM

I think general consensus is you want to keep it below 0.04ppm.Ive read some threads on RC showing making it absolute zero for too long had some decreased growth effects on certain Acro's after a few months. Ill look for the link

Edit found the link
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1168053

Craigdillman · #7 12-21-2013, 06:37 PM

Hope I get a hanna checker for x-mas lol come on santa

Cal_stir · #8 12-21-2013, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craigdillman

Hope I get a hanna checker for x-mas lol come on santa

make sure santa gets you the phosphorous ulr with extra reagents.

Cal_stir · #9 12-21-2013, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craigdillman

I think general consensus is you want to keep it below 0.04ppm.Ive read some threads on RC showing making it absolute zero for too long had some decreased growth effects on certain Acro's after a few months. Ill look for the link

Edit found the link
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1168053

0.03 seems to be ideal as po4 is essential for life in plants, animals and bacteria.

allie_san · #10 12-31-2013, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

With the Hanna, there are a few things you have to be careful with to ensure that you get consistent and accurate test results. But sure beats the heck out of all the color test kits. I used to think I had low phosphates, until I got the Hanna.

What things are those? I'm wondering if my test results are skewed now.