7/17/2017 Phosphates in Freshwater Aquariums

Freshwater Aquarium Basics

Phosphates in the Aquarium

How Phosphates Effect Fish, Aquatic Plants and Algae in the Aquarium
BY SHIRLIE SHARPE Updated 04/26/17

Phosphate Test Kit. Price

Phosphates (PO4) are present in every aquarium, even though many aquarium owners arent aware that they're there.
If the aquarium is not properly maintained, the phosphate levels will continually rise and contribute to algae growth.
Testing for phosphates and learning about the sources of phosphate in your aquarium water will help you combat
their effects.

The Effect of Phosphates

Fortunately, phosphates do not directly harm your sh, even when they're at high levels.

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The algae blooms that result from elevated phosphates can ultimately cause problems for the aquarium inhabitants,
however. Green water can deplete the oxygen, which in turn can harm the sh.

Where Do Phosphates Come From?

Phosphates naturally occur as wastes are broken down within the aquarium. In addition to being internally produced,
phosphates can enter the aquarium from external sources. Everything from food to the chemicals used to buffer the
water to the water itself can contain signicant amounts of phosphate. Phosphate sources include:

Uneaten food

Plant decay

Dying algae

Fish feces
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Dead sh

Carbon lter media

Aquarium salts

pH buffers

kH buffers

The water itself

Desired Level
Phosphates are present in both organic and inorganic forms. Test kitscan only able to test for inorganic phosphate, so
keep in mind that you are only testing a portion of the total phosphate in your aquarium.

When test results show levels of 1.0 ppm or 1.0 mg/L, the conditions become favorable for algae growth.

At 2 to3 ppm, algae overgrowth is likely to occur. Ideal phosphate levels are 0.05 ppm or less.

Reducing Phosphate
The best way to reduce phosphate in your aquarium is to never let it get high in the rst place. If your phosphates are
already too high, however, you can reduce it by taking the following steps.

Water Change:Large water changes will help bring phosphates down quickly, but the x will be temporary if the
underlying sources are still there. Continue to perform frequent large water changes to keep phosphate levels
manageable until all causes are cured.

Tank Cleaning:Scrape the inside of the glass. Remove the rocks and other decorations and scrub them well. Let
everything settle a bit, then give the substrate a good vacuuming. Wait a few days to give things a chance to
stabilize, then clean the lter.

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Phosphate Absorber:Phosphate absorbing media is very effective. It can be added to virtually any lter. Note:
Using chemicals should generallybe your last resort.

Keeping Phosphate Low

When you've brought the phosphate level down, make sure it stays low. Here are some ways to avoid soaring
phosphate levels.

Feed Sparingly:The #1source of phosphate in an aquarium is ake food. Cut back on the frequency and amount
of food. Just a pinch once a day is sufcient for most adult sh. Remove any uneaten food promptly.

Change Food:Phosphate is used as a preservative in ake foods. All brands are not created equal, so do your
research and choose those brands that have lower phosphate levels.

Water Source:Test your water source. It is not unusual for tap water to contain 1 ppm of phosphate. If the level
is high, seek an alternate source for your aquarium water.

Water Changes:Frequent water changes will help keep phosphate levels from rising. Change 10to 15 fteen
percent weekly, using a low phosphate water source.

Tank Maintenance:Keeping the tank free of debris will help avoid phosphate buildup. Vacuum the bottom
frequently to remove uneaten food, plant decay, and sh waste.

Filter Media:Carbon is a good lter media, but it can add phosphate to the water columnso choose carefully.
Some carbon media, such as those for saltwater aquariums, is formulated specically to not leach phosphates
into the water. Others combine carbon media with phosphate absorbers so you get the best of both.

Filter Cleaning: Regularlycleaning debris from the lter will help reduce the sources of phosphates.

Water Treatments: Buffers that condition the water, alter or stabilize the pH, add trace elements or change the
hardness often contain phosphates. Don't use them if they arent absolutely needed. If you must use them,
research the product and choose one that contains the least amount of phosphate.
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research the product and choose one that contains the least amount of phosphate.

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