Phosphate Tests

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by DLaratro, Nov 20, 2008.

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  1. DLaratro

    DLaratro Plankton

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    Ok i've had my tank running successfully for about 4 months, I just recently got a API Phosphate Test Kit because I am dealing with a little bit of nuisence algae. But my real question is why does the box of the test kit say it tests for PO[sub]4[/sub]3-, where all the other tests I see only test for PO4? And when I see other peoples reading they have seperate readings for PO3 and PO4? It seems fine, i'm just trying to figure out what the difference is?
     
    DLaratro, Nov 20, 2008
    DLaratro, Nov 20, 2008
    #1

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  2. bc219

    bc219 Millepora

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    Are you sure you're not thinking of NO3 (nitrate)?
     
    bc219, Nov 20, 2008
    bc219, Nov 20, 2008
    #2
  3. DLaratro

    DLaratro Plankton

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    Maybe I am mistaken about what I've seen other people post, but regardless the API Phosphate Test definately says PO[SUB]4[/SUB]-3, and all the other ones I've researched only say PO4...
     
    DLaratro, Nov 20, 2008
    DLaratro, Nov 20, 2008
    #3
  4. bc219

    bc219 Millepora

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    bc219, Nov 20, 2008
    bc219, Nov 20, 2008
    #4
  5. morau89

    morau89 Fire Shrimp

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    they are both the same thing PO[SUB]4[/SUB]-3 and PO4 are phosphate. PO3 is phosphite but can also be written as PO[SUB]3[/SUB]-3
     
    morau89, Nov 21, 2008
    morau89, Nov 21, 2008
    #5