Phosphate vs phosphous

[Peer.Boerner]

Hate to ask but what’s the difference between phosphous and phosphate levels in a reef aquarium? Perhaps it should be obvious but I’m not clear on this. Is phosphate a good surrogate for phosphorous or are they separate things that should be tested and monitored separately?

Appreciate any guidance the group can share.

 

[LovinlifeinGuam]

Hate to ask but what’s the difference between phosphous and phosphate levels in a reef aquarium? Perhaps it should be obvious but I’m not clear on this. Is phosphate a good surrogate for phosphorous or are they separate things that should be tested and monitored separately?

Appreciate any guidance the group can share.

Phosphate is a molecule that contains phosphorus. There are both inorganic and organic sources of phosphate in an aquarium, and the bioavailability (ability for organisms to use them as nutrients) varies depending on which you're referring to. Phosphorus is an element on the periodic table. Phosphate is the anion (negatively charged molecule) that test kits are used to monitor, not phosphorus. Does this help?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Expanding in the above, phosphorus is the element P, detected by icp.

Phosphate is P with 4 oxygens attached, PO4 - - -. (.three negative charges)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

This has lots more info:

https://www.reefedition.com/phosphate-in-the-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley/

 

[Peer.Boerner]

@LovinlifeinGuam , @Randy Holmes-Farley - Many thanks for the clear and helpful explanation! Really appreciate it. I’ll read the provided article as well.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You’re welcome.

Happy Reefing!