phosphate test

[somethingphishy]

Has anyone read reviews or would like to offer an opinion on what test kit to use for phosphates in a reef tank. I have used seachem in the past and it seems to work well. Does any one feel there is a better test. I don't mind if the test are complicated as long as they are accurate. thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I usually use the Hach kit PO-19, from www.hach.com

Is it better than hobby kits? I don't know as I've not seen a careful comparison of the various kits. But it is easy to use and I have confidence in it.

 

[somethingphishy]

I though i was high tech with my seachem reef status: magnesium test kit. no dought this kit is probally complicated and very accurate but i'm looking in the less than $25 range. any other sugestions.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don't know of one that is likely better than Seachem for less than $25. The Salifert kit may be worth trying.

 

[schwebb]

Randy does the Hach kit test for organic and inorganic posphate? I heard it was important to which one you have.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

All normal kits test for inorganic phosphate, and that is what I recommend that folks test for. I do not know how people would interpret organic phosphate since it isn't apparent if it is good or bad, inside of suspended bacteria, phytoplankton, loose as small molecules or proteins, etc.

Hach does sell a more tedious and expensive kit to test for organic forms.

 

[somethingphishy]

schwebb yes- i've heard the same- about organic/inorganic

i'm quite impressed with the salifet alk/dkh test that i'm currently using but the web site that i'm ordering from does not have them for phospate

 

[schwebb]

So organic phosphate is not a concern correct?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I do not think it worth measuring in most ordinary reef aquaria, no.