Phosphorus in aquarium water is a macroelent, necessary for the normal life of plants, fish, invertebrate animals and other hydrobionts. But his quantity should be Strictly dosed taking into account the combination - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium . Otherwise, the balance displacement due to the increase in phosphates can lead to the padege of fish and the death of vegetation.
What does phosphate level depend on?
Phosphate is called inorganic salts of phosphoric acids obtained from mineral compounds, including apatites. Despite the fact that the macroelegen is necessary for underwater animals and plants for the formation of cell membranes, photosynthesis and internal chemical processes, its excessive concentration has a negative effect on aquarium fish and flora. But in artificial tanks, their excess amount is not necessarily associated with the initial composition of water.
Often the source of elevated phosphorus:
- water from the water pipe, since phosphorus salts are sometimes added to water to protect the pipes;
- Rain water in which salts may also be present;
- The deceased parts of the plants, the remains of the feed and the products of the vital activity in the water of hydrobionts.
The excess of phosphorus can be taken from the ecosystem itself in the herbal aquarium, if there is a low nitrogen concentration. Provocate its increase can long-term lighting, on which, as a rule, indicates the appearance of xenococcus - algae in the form of small green dots.
Especially harmful to the inhabitants of artificial reservoir is The combination of high content in the water of phosphates (0.7-0.8 mg / l) with nitrates (80 mg / l), And such values are often found in aquariums with plants and fish. Therefore, it is worth considering ways to reduce, and if necessary and increase, the level of this element.
Methods for correction of the hazardous level of phosphorus salts
Since the accumulation of phosphorus salts is associated with the population of fish and the amount of vegetation, You can reduce their level in several ways:
- remove part of the fish;
- Change their diet - instead of chips and flakes, you can give special granules;
- It is important to observe whether the food is eaten completely, it is possible to reduce portions;
- Food often can be suused into filters or mixed with the soil - because of this, it takes it to rot and increases the level of phosphates;
- It is important to regularly make substitutions (20-30% of the total volume), following the quality of the new water.
If there is a small amount of fish in the aquarium, then The optimal number of phosphates can be maintained using such a specialized tool, as Tetra Easybalance is a liquid air conditioner for normalizing the medium for underwater fauna and flora. Use the product once a week, adding 2.5 ml of a solution to 10 liters of water. However, if there is a large number of inhabitants, it will not be enough to use this drug.
Also reduce the level of phosphate salts can be used with liquid Tetra phosphateminus. It will naturally stabilize the composition of water, does not cause her cloudy and sediment, and besides, safe for various aquarium inhabitants. This air conditioner is suitable for all freshwater tanks. 40 liters use 10 ml of solution. In order to completely normalize the water, first apply Tetra Phosphateminus every two days before the achievement of the required PO4 level.
If the concentration of the macroelement is too low, it can be lifted using it, applying Aquabalance "Phospho Balance" . In essence, this fertilizer for aquarium vegetation can be successfully used in the herbal aquarium. 10 ml of the means is taken at 100 liters of water, while the PO4 level rises by 0.45 mg / l. The precipitate is quite acceptable.
The norm of phosphates in water and determination of its level
It should be known that the value of the macroelement content in fresh water is 0-2 mg per 1 liter, the lower level of phosphorus is expected in sea water.
To determine the number exists Special indicator NILPA PO4 test phosphate. It reveals the concentration of phosphate ions. Typically, the kit includes 2 bottles with reactivities of 15 ml + color scale and a measuring cup with a lid. In each package - instruction on the use, it is necessary to act clearly in accordance with the instructions presented.
Test algorithm:
- Before use, the reagents need to shake well;
- a cup 2 times rinse with water analyzed;
- 5 ml of aquarium water is placed in the measuring container;
- Add to a glass of 5 drops from the vial No. 1 (PO4) and mix, making circular movements by hand;
- After 6-10 seconds, 2 drops of the indicator number 2 are poured and stirred again;
- After the reaction occurred, it is necessary to put the capacity in the middle of the color scale on a white background for 5-7 minutes and compare the resulting shade with the color sectors, you need to look from above;
- After the procedure, it is thoroughly rinse the capacity with running water.
It is important to keep a test solution near a scale of not more than 7 minutes, because in the future the control color may change.
Phosphate concentration is detected by tone saturation. If the solution is weakly painted, it alone speaks of a lack of content, but also with the complete absence of any shade in the water there may be traces of phosphorus particles.
The exact concentration can be found in the numbers located opposite each color sector. Working with the indicator "NILPA" should be observed precautions, Since the equipment includes acid:
- When testing, it is impossible to allow children's presence;
- try so that the fluid of the reagents does not fall into the hands, the mucous membranes of the eyes, open parts of the body, as well as on clothes;
- If this happened, it is necessary to wash the place of the defeat with plenty of water and consult a doctor, taking a test label with you.
Water measurements need to be carried out regularly - with each replacement. So that the aquatic inhabitants are not injured, at high phosphate values in the aquarium, it is necessary to respond quickly, however, the individual water characteristics should be taken into account
In the video detailed about the parameters of aquarium water.