Raising Phosphate Level

[smiller]

I haven't been able to get my phosphate level up to speed. I am dosing EI on my 150 CO2 injected tank. I just started the CO2 and EI last week after a few months of low tech. I raised the amount of KH2P04 to 1 tsp every three days from 3/8 tsp, but just started that this week. So far my level (per Salifert test kit) is only 1ppm. Salifert is normally a very reliable kit so I assume it is correct. Should I up my dosage amount or is there something else I am missing? I'm attempting to get it up over 3ppm at minimum.

Thanks

[Noahma]

Sent from my RM-820_nam_att_100 using Board Express

[Darkblade48]

I think your levels are fine; just keep dosing per EI (or as you did, increasing the phosphates just a bit).

Also, you might as well make some calibration solutions for your Salifert test kit.

[plantbrain]

The test should read at least 5-6ppm PO4 after dosing, say 1 hour etc.
I dose 1 tsp 2-3x a week on my 180.

[smiller]

Thanks, guys.

[smiller]

Originally Posted by plantbrain

The test should read at least 5-6ppm PO4 after dosing, say 1 hour etc.
I dose 1 tsp 2-3x a week on my 180.

Tom, are you saying that the test should be done approx one hour after dosing to get the most accurate reading?

[plantbrain]

Originally Posted by smiller

Tom, are you saying that the test should be done approx one hour after dosing to get the most accurate reading?

More like the test methods used, either error on your part or the test kit is off by 5X.

I'd say the latter.

1 tsp to my 180 should add 5ppm extra PO4.
I dose this amount 2-3x a week.

Run a test against the known standard for the test kit if you wish, see the sticky at the start of this subform for more info.

[smiller]

I read that earlier today and will do that. Thanks again.

[smiller]

Originally Posted by plantbrain

Run a test against the known standard for the test kit if you wish, see the sticky at the start of this subform for more info.

I calibrated my test kit and found it to be off. Based on that my last test showed the reading to be very close to 5ppm.