Low Phosphates?

[Mikaila31]

I tested my planted tank about a week ago with a new phosphate kit that i got. It gave me a reading of 0.1ppm, i also tested my tap and got the same reading. I know phosphates are suppose to be around 1ppm. so how would i raise my phosphates?

 

[George Farmer]

0.1ppm phosphate (PO4) should be fine.

If your tap and tank water both test the same this says to me that your plants aren't using much so don't worry about adding extra.

I recommend only adding phosphates to heavily planted tanks with lots of growth.

If you did want to raise PO4 then add potassium phosphate (KH2PO4).

 

[Mikaila31]

well my tank is heavily planted with 2wpg and lots of fast growing plants like H. polysperma, but none of it is doing well and every thing is growing really slow .

 

[George Farmer]

well my tank is heavily planted with 2wpg and lots of fast growing plants like H. polysperma, but none of it is doing well and every thing is growing really slow .

Sounds like you could do with it then. I assume your nitrates are low too then?

If you have plenty of plants, light and CO2 then you would do well with EI. It is one of the most effective yet cheapest ways to fertilise a planted tank. Check out zig's pinned thread at the top of this forum.