po4 in the 8-10 range?

I just tested my phosphate levels today for the first time. Used a API brand PO4 3-. It read in the 8-10ppm range so I tested it again and same reading. As I am reading, this is off the charts. My other readings have been stable since the swap and I just did a 25% monthly water change last week, I am 7 weeks into a tank upgrade. 120 to 140 added wet dry/sump, an undersized skimmer (until tomorrow I hope) I am also running carbon. I currently use a tetra test kit for the other tests. These readings are from this morning and reflect the test from last week before the watter change.
Any help is greatly appreciated as I am still learning and I will try to answer any questions to the best of my ability.

nh3/nh4 .0
no2 <.3
ph 8.0
kh 7 ( 7 drops to change color, 1 drop = 1%kh if im reading this correct)
sg 1.023

 

hi restlessnative

I use the Salifert test kit and it does not go up as far as 8- 10 it stops at 3.
is it PO4 your measuring (Phosphate) ? which test kit is it your using

on the salifert test kit it indicates anything over 0.3 is a problem and as you already know, with levels over that your setting yourself up for various nuisance algaes, that could arrive on any new purchases attached to the rock


if I where you , I would get those results double checked in case its a out of date test kit or has a problem in some other way

Steve

 

It is API by aquarium phamaceuticals and cost 15$ The other one I looked at was like 27$ but I cant remember the name. Yes its a phosphate test but it says PO4 3- on the label. Not sure what the 3- means or if it is even relevant. Tested 5ml, 6 drops each of two bottles in kit and waited the 3 minutes.

 

Phosphate Test Kit - API

Just dug out the API page to assess what situation is
your measuring phosporous and not Phosphate but a level as high as yours is not good either way it seems

also dug out an article by RHF that gives information about PO4 and PO43

Chemistry and the Aquarium

I would get a 2nd opinion on your test results before doing anything and if the high levels
are proven, you need to consider adding a phosphate remover into your filtration system

I can vouch for the effectiveness of Rhowphos and Phosguard as I have used these 2 myself - I also know others use Phosban and that also has received good feed back

Steve

 

That is the exact test hit I got, I read all through the instructions and I am not understanding the phosphorus? Why is it advertised and sold as a phosphate test then?

 

same difference I gather from the other pages I hit on
I was hoping it would be a divide your Phosporous result by 10 sort of deal for Phosphate
but no such luck
so dont worry about the terminology

focus on checking the results -

if I produced a cure for an illness, I might well try and have people believe they where sick
thats just cynicism on my part, but thats what would make me want to have my results double checked.

Mods - please delete the last part if you feel it may offend anyone?

but I would suggest getting the results double checked before taking any definite action

Steve

 

I will and thanks for your help, I started to read that article but its late here and it just made my brain hurt. I'll re-read it tomorrow and see if the store that sold it to me gets a different reading and what kit they use. I am supposed to check out a better skimmer tomorrow for a good price and he has a reactor for 20$. We will see how it goes tomorrow, Thanks again.

 

Update on Po4 situation. I had the lfs do a secondary test and the results were confirmed. (OFF THE CHARTS!!!) I purchased the phosban 150gram treatment. (75gr./150gal.) I added about half into the bag and placed it with my carbon bags in the upflow tray I built in my sump. After daily testing here are the results. After the first day the the levels dropped approx by half and have seemed to maintain there and maybe decrease a little as of today (1 week). still in the lower 5ppm range as it is hard to differentiate the 2-5 range. I still have a few questions here.
I know a reactor will help but cant afford one at this time.
1) With this current reading at this level has the product done it's max job and need to be switched out and use the rest of the product?
2) Can this product be reactivated or rinsed to maximize usage? If so how?
3) Are there any possible things or situations I need to be aware of or to look for as these levels decrease?

I am still pretty sure this was an inherited problem and not something I am inducing on the system currently. (From what info I have found and read) I still am questioning the Florida rock as the possible suspect and over feeding by the previous owner. But I haven't received much feedback on the Florida rock subject thread I started.
Thanks again.....

The guy who sold me my skimmer today told be that a teaspoon of sugar weekly will keep phosphates down. Any words on this parctice?