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Phosphate Test PO
4
sensitive
Special features:
The JBL phosphate test set PO
4
sensitive is for the measurement and routine control of the phosphate content
within the range of 0.05-1.8 mg/l (ppm) in saltwater and freshwater as well as in garden ponds. Using the
compensation method specially developed by JBL, precise and reliable results can be obtained even in
moderately discoloured water e.g. as a result of peat lters and disease treatment. Through the high sensitivity
of this test the impending danger of excessive phosphate levels can be recognised at a very early stage and
suitable preventative measures can be taken in good time.
Why test?
Phosphate, an important plant nutrient, only occurs in very low concentrations in natural waters. The average
levels are about 0.01 mg/l in freshwater and about 0.07 mg/l in saltwater. Plants and algae have adapted to this
scarce supply of phosphate, so that they can survive with minimum amounts.
In an aquarium, phosphate primarily enters the water as a result of the digestive processes of the sh or in the
form of food remains. If conditions are unfavourable (particularly in heavily-stocked aquariums), the phosphate
levels may reach values that are sometimes 100 times higher, and more, than natural levels. Undesirable
algae will then multiply explosively as an inevitable consequence. By regularly measuring the phosphate
concentration using the JBL phosphate test set PO
4
sensitive, this threat can be recognised and prevented with
the appropriate measures. It is important to know that algae can store considerable quantities of phosphate,
enabling them to continue to grow even after the level of phosphate in the water has been reduced. Therefore
the sooner the danger of a rise in the phosphate content is identied, the better the chances of quickly averting
an imminent plague of algae. In a freshwater aquarium, levels of up to 0.4 mg/l are acceptable. Better are levels
under 0.1 mg/l.
In heavily planted aquariums without sh or with only a few small sh the opposite may occur: Phosphate
becomes a deciency and needs dosed additions for the plants to thrive and grow. This is especially the case
with so-called aquascaping, a specialized trend to create underwater landscapes in the aquatic eld.
In a marine aquarium, the phosphate level need to be as close as possible to the natural level.
In the garden pond levels need to be kept below 0.05 mg/l. From limnology (freshwater science) it is known that
considerable algae growth does not occur with permanent (year-round) phosphate contents under 0.035 mg/l.
Ideally, the phosphate level of the pond should not be measurable with this test, i.e. it should be below 0.05 mg/l.
It is important that garden fertilizer does not seep into the pond from the soil around the pond.
Remedies:
Levels too high:
Aquarium:
• Filtering with JBL PhosEx ultra, absorbing with JBL PhosEx rapid
• Regular partial changes of water (in freshwater 20-30 % every 2 weeks, in saltwater 10 % every 4 weeks)
• Moderate feeding
• Avoidance of care products containing phosphates. An aquarium is not the place for fertilizers for house or
garden plants! JBL care products do not contain either phosphate or nitrate.
Garden pond:
• Absorbing with JBL PhosEx Pond Filter or JBL PhosEx Pond Direct
• Moderate feeding
• Avoidance of fertilizers seeping into pond from surrounding soil
Values too low:
Aquarium (aquascaping):
Dosed addition of JBL ProScape NPK Makroelements or JBL ProScape P Macroelements.
Note:
Check the phosphate level in your mains water. Many household water supplies have a phosphate dosage unit
installed to prevent corrosion of the piping. If this is the case, try to take the water for your aquarium from a point
before this unit, (asking the house owner for permission)
Instructions:
1. Repeatedly rinse both test jars with the water to be tested.
2. Use the enclosed syringe to ll each of the test containers with 10 ml of sample water.
3. Add the reagent to one of the two test jars as follows:
GB
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