API phosphate test?

[h8z2luze]

I know everyone hates API tests but does the phosphate one work? Because Mine always says zero which I thought was good but I am getting algae growth (bubble, green hair, cyano) and everyone keeps saying I must have phosphates in my water?

 

[jose7878]

Ha. Lol. I think everyone's always say 0.

 

[h8z2luze]

So is there a GOOD phosphate test out there?

 

[Hondatek]

Red sea tests , salifert and Hanna checkers are a lot better than API

 

[h8z2luze]

Thanks honda. I guess I will pick up one of those. Or maybe just take my water to my LFS and see what they say.

 

[Hondatek]

No problem. I personally use the red sea kits myself. They are kinda expensive but IMO worth it.

 

[h8z2luze]

Ya I use API everything cause its cheap but I guess there is some spots where you just cant go that route. The API nitrate/KH/CA tests seem to be right on though compared with my friends red sea tests.

 

[jose7878]

Yeah API isn't bad for those test but for phosphate you definitely need a RedSea or a Hanna P04 checker.

 

[Reeffanman]

I just kept telling myself that the cyano was consuming all the phosphates before the API test could read it, but ya ill agree it always reads 0.

 

[h8z2luze]

Ok so what's the best way to get rid of phosphates? A reactor?