Product overview
The Salifert Freshwater Phosphate Test Kit measures phosphate (PO₄) in freshwater tanks so you can catch spikes before algae takes off, livestock is stressed, or plants fade and stall. Feeding, waste, and fertiliser all move phosphate; without a precise test, those swings are easy to miss.
It uses liquid reagents and a catalyst powder made for freshwater chemistry, so marine salt does not interfere. Testing is done in a vial, not in the tank.
Key features
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Freshwater reagents: Multi-reagent sequence calibrated for freshwater, not saltwater.
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Scale: 0–2 ppm (mg/L) phosphate (PO₄).
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Colour chart: Clear matching so small nutrient changes show up before green-spot or hair algae.
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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: Freshwater only. Not for marine or reef tanks.
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Use: Planted aquascapes, community tanks, shrimp breeding, and African cichlid systems.
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Nutrient control: Use the results to adjust fertiliser dosing or water-change intervals instead of guessing.
Testing and instructions
Always follow dosage & directions on product packaging.
Typical targets: 0.5–2.0 ppm for high-demand planted tanks (to limit green-spot algae), or under 1.0 ppm for standard community fish. How often to test:
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New tank cycling: Every 3–5 days, alongside nitrate.
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Low-tech planted: Weekly, to see if the fish load is supplying enough phosphate.
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High-tech (CO₂ and heavy fertiliser): Every 3–5 days, to match phosphorus use and avoid starving fast stems.
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Shrimp and invertebrates: Test often so waste stays below stressful levels.
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: Freshwater series
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Tests: Approx. 60
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Measurement scale: 0–2 ppm (mg/L) phosphate (PO₄)
