PHOSPHATE (PO4) TEST KIT INSTRUCTIONS Why Do Phosphate Tests? Dead algae and uneaten fish food are two examples of decomposing organic debris that can introduce phosphate (PO) into an aquarium. In order to lower the levels of heavy metals in drinking water and avoid pipe corrosion, water treatment plants may add phosphate to tap water. There are also phosphates in some salt mixtures. Blooms of algae may result from too much phosphorus. Phosphate causes dissolved calcium (Ca²*) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions to precipitate in saltwater aquariums, which stunts the growth of hard corals and other species that construct reefs. Testing Tips This test kit reads the total phosphate level in parts per million (ppm), which are equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L) from 0 – 10.0 ppm (mg/L). Directions Remove safety cap: 1. Fill a clean test vials with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the vials). 2. Shake well PO4 reagent before use. Add 5 drops of Reagent and then add 1 spoon of solid reagent to the sample “SHAKE WELL” (holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops.) 3. Cap the test vials and shake several times to mix solution. 4. Read the test results after 5 minutes observe the color change of the water sample in the vials horizontally, compare with the PO4 color chart, and read the PO4 value of the corresponding water sample. Recommended PO4 Levels Freshwater aquarium (community aquarium): 0-0.4 mg/l Lake Malawi/Lake Tanganyika aquarium: 0-0.4 mg/l Plant aquarium with few fish (aquascaping): 0.1-1.5 mg/l Marine aquarium: 0-0.1 mg/l Pond: <0.05 mg/l. What the Test Results Indicate Phosphate levels in aquariums (and ponds) should ideally be zero. The quality of the water used to fill a new aquarium will determine its phosphate content. The daily variation in the phosphate level of tap water can be attributed to the type of treatment employed. Established aquariums tend to accumulate phosphate. Decreasing Phosphate Levels in Aquariums Make a partial water change to swiftly lower the phosphate. Clear the aquarium’s bottom of any debris and leftover fish food, then replace 25–50% of the water, depending on the phosphate level. For continuous phosphate removal from the aquarium, supplement the filter with AQUANATURE PHOSX PREVENT ALGAE or use AQUANATURE ALGAE OUT ADVANCE to clear out algae , green water problem. Lowering Phosphate Levels in Ponds Make a partial water change to swiftly lower the phosphate. Clear the Pond bottom of any debris and leftover fish food, then replace 25–50% of the water, depending on the phosphate level. For continuous phosphate removal from the pond, supplement the filter with AQUANATURE PHOSX PREVENT ALGAE or use AQUANATURE POND ALGAE OUT / ALGAE OUT ADVANCE to clear out algae , green water problem.