To keep your saltwater reef aquarium healthy, you want to maintain low phosphate levels. It's important to measure phosphates weekly in a reef tank because if the levels get too high (over .05 ppm) it can prevent coral calcification or cause excessive algae growth. (It's also a good idea to test the levels if you notice an excessive amount of algae in your tank.) The easy-to-use Hanna Marine Phosphate Ultra Low Range Checker® HC -HI774 generates accurate, digital readouts in parts-per-million (ppm) versus trying to judge traditional phosphate test kit color charts.
In addition to being easy and accurate, the full line of Hanna Marine Checkers eliminate the hassle of always having to buy new test kits. When you run low on the supplied packets of HI774-25 reagent, just purchase a refill pack and you are back to testing in no time.
Note that the Hanna Marine Phosphate Ultra Low Range Checker® HC - HI774 gives readings in ppm.
To get readings in parts-per-billion (ppb) use our HI736 Ultra Low Range Phosphorus Colorimeter - Checker® HC.
Our Marine Phosphate Ultra Low Range Checker® HC-HI774 is supplied as a complete test kit and retails for $49.95.
The Hanna Marine Phosphate Ultra Low Range Checker is designed to make testing quick and easy.
While phosphate is essential for all life, it can be problematic for aquarium inhabitants – especially for coral, where excess phosphate can prevent calcification of the coral from happening. The main source of phosphate in reef aquariums is food, so care should be taken to avoid excess phosphates from feeding. Adding tap water to an aquarium can also lead to increased phosphate levels. Many municipalities have levels of phosphates in their water that are safe for human consumption, but can be detrimental to coral health.
Additionally, excessive algae growth , a lack of protein skimming, poor water change schedule, and the use of tap water will all contribute to high phosphate levels. Switching to reverse-osmosis deionized water (RO/DI) as a source for both topping off and making saltwater can help cut back on total phosphate levels in the aquarium environment. Utilizing a refugium to grow beneficial macro-algae can also help export phosphates in a reef aquarium. Using filter medias and chemicals, like granular ferric oxide (GFO) or carbon dosing, can help bind or utilize phosphates and remove them from the aquarium.
Although elevated phosphate levels in an aquarium can be damaging, a complete absence of phosphate is also not ideal. Phosphate is essential for tissue growth and tanks that lack it completely can develop problems. The ideal level of phosphate should be greater than 0 but less than 0.05ppm. Since so many factors are attributed to high phosphate levels, every aquarist should be testing for them on a regular basis.
The ideal phosphate level for reef aquariums is extremely low. Many other test kits on the market rely on a color change that needs to be judged by sight. These are notoriously difficult to use, especially in the lower ranges. The Hanna Marine Phosphate Ultra Low Range Checker® HC - HI774 bridges the gap between simple chemical test kits and professional instrumentation. The one-button design makes testing easier and more accurate by outputting a consistent digital reading every time.
Want to learn more about how accurate our Marine Checkers are? Check out the video below by our friends at Bulk Reef Supply, comparing our digital Checkers to a more expensive professional meter.