Phosphates in the aquarium: norms and control of the level of content

Phosphorus in aquarium water is a macrocell necessary for the normal functioning of plants, fish, invertebrates, and other hydrobionts. But its quantity should be strictly dosed taking into account the combination - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. Otherwise, a shift in the balance due to an increase in phosphates can lead to the death of fish and the death of vegetation.

Phosphates are inorganic salts of phosphoric acids derived from mineral compounds, including apatites. Despite the fact that the macrocell is necessary for underwater animals and plants for the formation of cell membranes, photosynthesis, and internal chemical processes, its excessive concentration negatively affects aquarium fish and flora. But in artificial reservoirs, their excess amount is not necessarily related to the initial composition of the water.

Often a source of increased phosphorus:

• water from the water supply, as phosphorus salts are sometimes added to water to protect pipes;
• rainwater in which salts may also be present;
• dead parts of plants, food residues and waste products of aquatic organisms living in the water.

Especially harmful to the inhabitants of an artificial reservoir is a combination of a high content of phosphates in water (0.7-0.8 mg / l) with nitrates (80 mg / l), and such values ​​are often found in aquariums with plants and fish. Therefore, it is worth considering ways to reduce, and if necessary increase, the level of this element.

Since the accumulation of phosphorus salts is associated with the population of fish and the amount of vegetation, There are several ways to lower their level:

• remove part of the fish;
• change their diet - instead of chips and cereals, you can give special granules;
• it is important to observe whether the food is eaten completely; it may be necessary to reduce portions;
• the feed can often be sucked in filters or mixed with the soil - because of this, it rots and increases the level of phosphates;
• it is important to make regular changes (20-30% of the total volume), monitoring the quality of new water.

If there are a small number of fish in the aquarium, then the optimal amount of phosphate can be maintained with a specialized tool such as Tetra EasyBalance, a liquid conditioner for normalizing the environment for underwater fauna and flora. Use the product once a week, adding 2.5 ml of solution to 10 liters of water. However, if there are a large number of inhabitants, the use of this drug will not be enough.

You can also reduce the level of phosphoric salts with a liquid agent. Tetra Phosphate Minus. It naturally stabilizes the composition of the water, does not cause turbidity and sediment, and in addition, it is safe for various aquarium inhabitants. This air conditioner is suitable for all fresh water tanks. For 40 l, 10 ml of solution is used. In order to fully normalize the water, first apply Tetra PhosphateMinus once every two days until the required level of PO4 is reached.

If the concentration of the macronutrient is too low, it can be raised using Aquabalance "Phospho balance". In fact, this fertilizer for aquarium vegetation can be successfully used in a herbal aquarium. 10 ml of the drug is taken per 100 l of water, while the PO4 level rises by 0.45 mg / l. Precipitation is perfectly acceptable.

You should know that the normal content of macronutrients in fresh water is 0-2 mg per 1 liter, a lower level of phosphorus is assumed in seawater.

To determine the quantity exists special indicator "NILPA PO4 Test Phosphate." It detects the concentration of phosphate ions. Typically, the kit includes 2 bottles of 15 ml reagents + a color scale and a measuring cup with a lid. Each package contains instructions for use, you must act clearly in accordance with the instructions provided.

Testing Algorithm:

• shake well before use;
• rinse the glass 2 times with analyzed water;
• 5 ml of aquarium water are placed in a measuring container;
• add 5 drops from the bottle No. 1 (PO4) to the glass and mix, making circular movements with the hand;
• after 6-10 seconds, pour 2 drops of indicator No. 2 and mix again;
• after the reaction has occurred, it is necessary to put the capacity in the middle of the color scale on a white background for 5-7 minutes and compare the resulting shade with color sectors, you need to look from above;
• rinse the container thoroughly with running water after the procedure.

The concentration of phosphates is detected by the saturation of the tone. If the solution is slightly colored, this in itself indicates a lack of content, but even in the complete absence of any shade in the water, traces of phosphorus particles may remain.

The exact concentration can be found by the numbers located opposite each color sector. When working with the Nilpa indicator, safety precautions should be observed, since the composition of the product includes acid:

• during testing, the presence of children should not be allowed;
• try to ensure that the reagent liquid does not get on the hands, mucous membranes of the eyes, exposed parts of the body, or clothing;
• if this happens, it is necessary to rinse the affected area with plenty of water and consult a doctor, taking the test label with you.

The video details the parameters of aquarium water.