Phosphate (PO4) is one of many tank nutrients that the hobbyist must monitor to maintain a healthy marine aquarium. Elevated phosphate levels can have an adverse effect on the tank inhabitants, and even slow coral growth in mix reef systems. Higher levels of phosphate can lead to unwanted algae growth, an if left untreated or the algae can release toxins into the water. These toxins can damage fish, invertebrates, and even damage your prized coral over time. The monitoring of Phosphate levels regularly must be part of the tank owners maintenance schedule. In this product review we will take a look at the Red Sea Marine Test Kit for Phosphate (PO4).
Product Specifics Number of Tests - 100 Type of Test - Colorimetric Testing Range - (0 - 32) ppm PO4 Accuracy - 0.1 ppm PO4 Price Point - $25.00 - $35.00 US
The overall testing procedure is easy to follow and takes approximately 8 minutes to complete for the first time user. The directions are easy to read and come in 7 different languages for convenience. Below we will walk through their directions as a preview if this product is something you are looking to get into.
Product Directions 1. Using the syringe provided, place exactly 17 ml of the water to be tested into the glass vial. 2. Add 10 drops of Phosphate Reagent (A) to the vial. 3. Close the vial with the cap and shake for 10 seconds. 4. Add 2 drops of Phosphate Reagent (B). 5. Close the vial with the cap and shake for 10 seconds. 6. Wait 6 minutes for the color in the vial to stabilize. 7. 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.
An additional feature to this product is on the back of the Phosphate color card, there is and easy quick reference diagram. This card made of a water resistant coating just in case the paper directions get lost or destroyed after initial purchase.
So in review the testing procedure is easy to follow, the price point is fairly decent and the product quality is high. The one draw back to this testing kit, and others like it, is the process of matching the color on the card to the color in the vial. Depending on the quality of lighting within the space where the test is being conducted, this may be more difficult to verify.
Red Sea is known for its quality of its products and this test kit is no exception to that statement. It may not have the easy to read digital display some newer products have, but this is a very effective means for testing phosphate in your saltwater aquarium.
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