Chopper Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 I recently bought a new 4 stage RO/DI unit from BRS (1 month old and used a couple of times) so I can make my own saltwater. Just out of curiousity I tested the RO/DI freshwater (with a 0 TDS reading by the way) for phosphates with a API test kit and the result I got was 0.25 for phosphate level?? Can that be? Does the RO/DI unit not filter that or is the API not a reliable? Thanks for your time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestep Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 Most likely the test kit. API PO4 and NO3 tests are not very accurate, I think the PO4 is their worst one. It's probably fine, but if you're worried have someone with a hanna checker do a test on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 From my understanding it won't give an accurate reading because the tests are made for saltwater. Atleast that's what the LFS told me. - Dean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 Definitely test your water with a more sensitive kit. If you are still reading phosphates after your DI stage you need to replace it. Also I've tested phosphates from several different water providers with Elos Professional phosphates from 0.0 to .14 ppm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard L Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 Some good advice given above. If your not venturing into SPS corals I wouldn't worry too much about phosphates. If you have SPS corals I would ditch the API test and get a more accurate test kit. I like the Hanna Checker for this one. Accurate to the 100th which is what you really need to know IMO for SPS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 Some good advice given above. If your not venturing into SPS corals I wouldn't worry too much about phosphates. If you have SPS corals I would ditch the API test and get a more accurate test kit. I like the Hanna Checker for this one. Accurate to the 100th which is what you really need to know IMO for SPS. +1. I grabbed the phosphorus checker which detects to the ppb level. You just have to convert the reading to ppm phosphate afterwards though but its simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 Thanks for all your replies. I will look into the Hanna checker. I really appreciate all your comments. At this pint all I have are some mushroom corals and two clownfish. They all seem very happy and look healthy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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