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- Sep 12, 2019
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So I ran an experiment. I'm a scientist by trade but this was anything but real science, so take with a grain of salt.
Observation: PO4 levels in my tank seemed to always be higher after having my hand in there doing something, even if just gluing something
Question: Does frequent arms/hands in the tank cause elevated PO4 levels?
Experiment:
1. Bucket full of RODI, baseline PO4. Value = .04 (in and of itself a problem)
2. Frequently dip unwashed arm/hand in, moving the water around
3. Test PO4 again. Value = .03
4. Continue moving hand arm around to point of almost washing it in the water
5. Test PO4 again. Value = .04
Conclusion: my arm/hand (can't say the same about everyone's) did not cause elevated PO4 levels despite a thorough rinsing in the 5-gallon bucket. Who knows if over time that would've turned into measurable PO4, but at least the first 30 minutes it did not.
I will resume sticking my hand in my tank now...
Observation: PO4 levels in my tank seemed to always be higher after having my hand in there doing something, even if just gluing something
Question: Does frequent arms/hands in the tank cause elevated PO4 levels?
Experiment:
1. Bucket full of RODI, baseline PO4. Value = .04 (in and of itself a problem)
2. Frequently dip unwashed arm/hand in, moving the water around
3. Test PO4 again. Value = .03
4. Continue moving hand arm around to point of almost washing it in the water
5. Test PO4 again. Value = .04
Conclusion: my arm/hand (can't say the same about everyone's) did not cause elevated PO4 levels despite a thorough rinsing in the 5-gallon bucket. Who knows if over time that would've turned into measurable PO4, but at least the first 30 minutes it did not.
I will resume sticking my hand in my tank now...