Phosphate test kit dark blue...range higher than max on kit

[MyCatsDrool]

My Phosphates are definately > 10ppm.


Is this good or bad in the planted tank? Where should they be?


Other than h2o change, how can i bring it down?

 

[Purrbox]

That's rather high. Shouldn't be hurting anything unless you're seeing signs of Toxicity. Water changes or getting your plants to consume it are really the only ways to lower it.

 

[MyCatsDrool]

Should I try something like PhosBan in a filter? Could this be the reason for my outrageous diatoms?

 

[Purrbox]

No real reason to worry about it lowering it unless you start to see signs of toxicity. It would be a good idea to make sure that none of your other nutrients have bottomed out causing the Phosphates to climb.

Diatoms are a result of Silicates not Phosphates.

 

[An t-iasg]

To get an accurate reading, you could use 1/2 tank water with 1/2 distilled water in your test tube. Multiply the result by 2. I have used only 1/4 tank water and 3/4 distilled water (multiply result by 4) to get a color that was in range of the test kit.

To lower the phosphates, follow Purrbox's advice. If you use tank water plus distilled water, you will at least have a more accurate reading of your phosphate levels. The kit I have (Seachem) doesn't have a very wide range, but if everything is as it should be, I don't need to make a diluted sample from the tank.

 

[TTKarl]

Well, as far a lowering them. Water changes of course. I have used phoszorb with success. But it is a temporary fix.

Sources would be ferts such a KH2PS04, Flake foods, and tap water.

I wouldn't really worry about it over the short term unless you are experiencing some sort of problem. I would look for the source, eliminate it and then wait for the plants to clean it up.

 

[Cliffz]

Mycatsdrool,
I have the exact same problem! Dark blue! Test kit is from aquarium pharmacueticals--It tests my tap water at .25 so I believe the test kit works!
Now to lower the tank reading-ugh!
Cliff NY

 

[MyCatsDrool]

I am going to stop dosing KH2PSO4 for now. Hold back on the feedings a little, and see what happens.