How to measure phosphate in marine and freshwater aquariums with Hanna Checkers

Consistently measuring the phosphate levels within your freshwater or marine aquarium is important for maintaining a healthy tank. The HI-713 Low Range Phosphate Checker is a multi-purpose digital tester for both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks, providing an accurate way to determine phosphate levels with digital results. Read on to learn more about how to measure phosphate in a fish tank with a Hanna Checker:

Steps for measuring phosphate with a Hanna Checker

The HI-713 is easy to use and practical for the weekly and daily measurement of water quality in aquariums.  All information is displayed on a clear, digital screen, for complete peace of mind.

Here’s how to measure with a Checker using the included reagents in four simple steps:

1. Press the button on the Checker, then fill your vial with a sample of water from your fish tank water and place it in the tester
2. Press the button to ‘Zero’ the Checker before removing the vial
3. Add the contents of one packet of reagent to the vial and shake gently for two minutes, ensuring the powder is dissolved before you place it back in the Checker
4. Press and hold the button to start the timer and wait for your results in ppm.

Why measure phosphate in fish tanks?

Phosphate is a normal part of tank water chemistry, typically caused by food and plant matter breakdown within aquariums. Other sources include pH and kH buffers and waste products from fish. Phosphate is typically managed through filtering, cleaning and using binding chemicals. Accurate measurement is key to ensuring your processes are successfully reducing phosphate in your aquarium water.

While phosphate itself isn’t harmful, an increase to higher levels can lead to algae blooms. Algae is a problem for aquariums as it decreases oxygen and may change the pH of the water, which indirectly harms fish and plant life over time. Keeping phosphate low helps to prevent algae blooms before they occur, avoiding the time and resources needed for clean-up later on.

Measuring phosphate in your tank daily or weekly with a handheld digital Checker is an ideal way to notice swings in your water chemistry before problems occur. This enables you to take swift action to restore your fish tank water to the correct levels through filtration, cleaning or chemical dosing.

Why use a digital tester for fish tanks?

Using a digital tester like a Checker is a practical, easy way to achieve clear and accurate results when measuring important parameters in your fish tank. If you are considering test strips vs a digital tester, one of your key considerations may be cost. While test strips cost less per test, they are significantly less accurate as they rely on your personal perception of results - which can lead to costly mistakes from under or overdosing your water.

Checkers offer peace of mind by taking the guesswork out of testing. The results from your measurement are determined for you, providing the information you need to safely and effectively balance your aquarium water. Checkers save you time when testing, provide clarity and give easy to access to the information needed to help you make the right choices - keeping your water safe for your fish and plant life.

Buy Hanna Checkers today

Hanna stocks a wide range of digital Checkers for both marine and freshwater fish tanks, available online with free next-day delivery. Shop our range of electronic fish tank testers, with coverage for all important aquarium parameters from nitrate to alkalinity to ammonia.

Buy Checkers online today.