Product overview
The Salifert Phosphate Profi Test Kit measures inorganic orthophosphate (PO₄) so you can catch creeping nutrients before hair algae takes off, calcification slows, or pink, purple, and blue colour browns. Fish waste, heavy feeding, and tap water all raise phosphate; without a precise test, those swings are easy to miss.
It uses liquid indicators and a powder catalyst to pick up low traces that coarser kits often miss. Testing is done in a vial, not in the tank.
Key features
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Sensitive colour: Multi-reagent sequence with deep-blue tints for low-level orthophosphate.
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Resolution: Down to 0.03 ppm (mg/L), useful for low-nutrient reefs.
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Scale: 0.03–3.0 ppm / mg/L phosphate (PO₄).
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Tests per kit: About 60.
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Simple workflow: Fast colour-match test without extra lab steps.
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Off-tank: The sequence runs in a dedicated vial, so reagents do not enter the aquarium.
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Shelf life: Stabilised reagents to hold accuracy when stored correctly.
Water and system compatibility
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Water: Marine reefs and freshwater tanks, including planted aquascapes.
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Marine use: SPS, LPS, soft-coral tanks, and macroalgae refugiums.
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Nutrient control: Use the results to adjust GFO, lanthanum chloride, or carbon dosing instead of guessing.
Testing and instructions
Always follow dosage & directions on product packaging.
Typical marine targets: 0.03–0.05 ppm for clean SPS reefs, or up to 0.10 ppm for fleshy LPS and soft corals. How often to test:
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New tank cycling: Weekly, alongside nitrate.
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Mixed reef / moderate load: Weekly, then adjust feeding or mechanical media such as filter socks.
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High-demand SPS: Every 3–5 days, to keep nitrate and phosphate in ratio and avoid tissue starvation.
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Refugium and carbon dosing: Test often so phosphate does not hit zero (macroalgae and bacteria can stall).
Storage
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Spoon: Do not mix reagent spoons. Clean and dry the micro-spoon straight after use; a dirty scoop skews the colour.
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Box: Cool, dry cupboard out of direct sunlight. Do not freeze or overheat the reagents.
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Vial: Rinse with RO/DI water and dry with a clean tissue so leftover reagent does not contaminate the next test.
Specifications
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Brand: Salifert
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Range: Profitest series
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Tests: Approx. 60
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Measurement scale: 0.03–3.0 ppm / mg/L phosphate (PO₄)
