How does phosphate get into aquarium water?
Phosphates can get into an aquarium through tap water (they are sometimes added to tap water to protect pipes). They can also get in through spring water. Phosphate is also produced by fish waste, food remnants and dead plants.
Is phosphate dangerous?
Phosphates are important nutrients for both plants and animals. They are essential for all organisms and are generally classed as safe. However, an excessive concentration of phosphates in an aquarium can cause serious problems by encouraging unwanted plants to grow. In such concentrations, phosphate can be harmful to your fish. Once the unwanted plants have flowered, they will die off. As the plant materials decompose, oxygen is used up by bacteria. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the aquarium. At the same time, the unwanted plants can inhibit the growth of aquarium plants by using up important nutrients.
What are the consequences of excessive phosphate levels in an aquarium?
As mentioned, too much phosphate encourages unwanted plants to grow. This can make it difficult for your aquarium plants to grow.
How can I reduce high phosphate levels (greater than 2 mg/l) quickly and safely?
Tetra PhosphateMinus reduces the phosphate content of the water by up to 2 mg per litre quickly and safely.
How can I prevent phosphate from building up in the long term?
Moderate quantities of premium food like TetraMin and correct doses of Tetra PhosphateMinus will stop excessive quantities of phosphate from building up in the aquarium water. Tetra EasyBalance can also be used; this stabilises important water values for up to 6 months and extends the time between water changes.
Is there an optimal phosphate level?
While there is no precise value, the phosphate level should ideally be less than 0.2 mg of phosphate per litre of aquarium water.
How does Tetra PhosphateMinus work?
The active ingredient is released naturally by the existing microorganisms in the aquarium. The biological decomposition of the product ensures that the active ingredient is released slowly and gently. The gentle yet effective decomposition of the phosphate prevents the water from turning cloudy. The process is also very safe for all aquarium inhabitants. The phosphate level will be reduced by up to 2 mg per litre depending on how much phosphate is in the water.
Can Tetra PhosphateMinus damage my fish or plants?
The active ingredient in Tetra PhosphateMinus is safe for all aquarium inhabitants.
Can Tetra PhosphateMinus be used in soft water too?
Unlike other products, Tetra PhosphateMinus is highly suited to aquariums with soft water. Rather than reducing the carbonate hardness, it actually increases the hardness slightly depending on how often it is used.
Is a minimum carbonate hardness level required to use Tetra PhosphateMinus?
Unlike other products, Tetra PhosphateMinus is highly suited to aquariums with soft water. Rather than reducing the carbonate hardness, it actually increases the hardness slightly depending on how often it is used.
When does Tetra PhosphateMinus take effect?
The product’s active ingredient is released naturally. It reduces the phosphate in the water slowly and with control over several hours. The phosphate level will be reduced by up to 2 mg per litre depending on how much phosphate is in the water.
How do I know if I need to use Tetra PhosphateMinus?
Tetra PhosphateMinus should be used when the phosphate level of the water exceeds 0.5 mg per litre. You can determine the level using a Tetra Test 6in1 strip or Tetra Test PO4. You should check your aquarium’s water values regularly so that you have reliable information on these values and their long-term development. If you use the product successfully but find that the phosphate builds up again, you should use Tetra EasyBalance on a regular basis.
How do I use Tetra PhosphateMinus?
Shake the bottle well before use. You should then use 10 ml of Tetra PhosphateMinus per 40 litres of aquarium water. If this does not achieve the desired phosphate level, you can repeat the treatment every 2 days.
What do I need to remember when using Tetra PhosphateMinus?
Check the product description to make sure you are using the right amount. The aquarium should also be well aerated. You can use the Tetra APS Aquarium Air Pump for this. The biological decomposition of the unwanted plants will use up additional oxygen.