Phosphate

[Nik_boyd]

I've been testing the water in my tank for a few weeks now, and found that there was a really high quantity of phosphate in the water, although next to no nitrites, nitrates or ammonia. From this, i decided to test clean de-chlorinated tap water, and found that too contained high ammounts of phosphate. I've since established that this is not that unusual in British tap water.

I've read quite a lot of conflicting views on phosphates in water. I know they greatly in increase the growth of cynobacteria (sp?) which generally looks ugly, but how bad are they for the fish? In addition to this, whats the best way of getting rid of them on a regular basis?

thanks,

Nik.

--oops. wrong forum...can a moderator move please?---

 

[wetwetwet]

Hi and welcome Nik,

Yep can be a bit of a problem with algae but shouldn't be a problem for your fish unless maybe keeping particularly delicate species....

Filtered/RO water best - but expensive - you can also get resin pouches that go in the filter which will remove/reduce it eg phos-zorb


*moved from newbies*



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[iggy01]

Yes! phosphate tends to be quite high in british tap water, as many water companies add it to the supply to counteract lead.

The situation will only get worse in years to come, as E.C. regulations get tougher on lead in the water supply.