Salifert Vs. API Phosphate tests

[Mwhitedesigns]

Alright well first off, sorry for the fat finger in the title. If an admin can fix it,please do.

Well i am officially confused.

I have some GHA and I bought an API phosphate kit without realizing it sucked and the reading chart was way above what I needed. So i just got a salifert phosphate test today.

When testing with the API i am getting a pretty high reading between .5 and 1.0.

However when using the Salifert my reading looks to be at .03. Maaayyyybe slightly higher. A bit hard to read.

I've tested using both kits 3 times with the same results.

Which own do i go by now? Im getting really frustrated with this dang GHA!!

This is in a 3 month old 5 gallon fluval spec v with upgraded pump, media basket (running filter floss, chemi-pure elite and purigen) and a USA Marine Orbit LED.

I feed only enough for fish to eat in 2 min. Stock consists of a goby, 2 ocelleris clowns and a cleaner shrimp. All very small.

I will be installing a protein skimmer in the coming week when the rest of my parts come in.

Salinity 1.026
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
Ph 8.1
Phosphate.........03, .5, 1.0?! Who knows.
Temp 78

Ps. The lights were off and I turned them on to take this pic. RBTA was deflated for the night, hence why he looks sad.

thoughts?! Help!

 

[RobZilla04]

In a three month old tank, it is very common to have phosphate increased thus algae problems. Since its a small tank, you could just do a bunch of water changes or run GFO in a reactor (or other phosphate binding media).

As for testing, everyone has their favorite test kits. With that being said, I'm not the best at judging color, so personally I like the Hanna Checkers. They are digital and if performed exactly the same way every time, the results are easily the most consistent IMO.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Thanks Rob. I do weekly wc's of about 25%. I would love a hanna checker. But that will have to wait a while. The wife would kill me if I spent that right now after all I've spent so far :(

 

[Luno]

Phosphate as far as the colour changing methods of most test kits is pretty much hit and miss across the board. This is why most people if thy only ever by one Hanna checker it's for phosphate.

Check with a local aquarium if they have a phosphate hanna checker and ask them to do a test for you. Preferably one you shop at as they will be more likely to do it for you. Then you'll know if your reading of the tests kits is off and which one your eye it's closest to.

 

[RobZilla04]

Thanks Rob. I do weekly wc's of about 25%. I would love a hanna checker. But that will have to wait a while. The wife would kill me if I spent that right now after all I've spent so far :(

$40ish bucks is well worthwhile if you can convince her. Otherwise you're gonna continue with the hit and miss color guessing. These tanks, livestock, and this hobby come with a fair share of costs (just like any hobby). You get out what you put in when it's all said and done.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Completely agree. When I first looked, the Ultra Low Readers were $80. I just found a new HI736 on ebay for $49 for the ultra low phosphorus reading in PPB. However the Hanna website has their new HI774 ultra low phosphate reading for $49.95 which reads in PPM and states it is specifically designed for reefers.

Which one would be better?

 

[RobZilla04]

I have no experience with the new Phosphate ULR, only the Phosphorus ULR which needs the equation to convert to ppm (result x 3.066 / 1000).

I'd imagine the new Phosphate ULR is as reliable as the Phosphorus ULR. Just remember consistency over accuracy. These are hobby grade kits, not lab grade testing equipment.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Completely agree. When I first looked, the Ultra Low Readers were $80. I just found a new HI736 on ebay for $49 for the ultra low phosphorus reading in PPB. However the Hanna website has their new HI774 ultra low phosphate reading for $49.95 which reads in PPM and states it is specifically designed for reefers.

Which one would be better?

I found this gem which seems to answer my questions. Looks like it will be the HI774.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/n...a-low-range-colorimeter-–-checker®-hc.504706/