Excess phosphate can facilitate an increase of other undesirable algae, e.g., dinoflagellates, which are capable of the release of deleterious toxins into the water.
(Dinoflagellates are a kind of algae populations which can occur in reef aquaria. Some dinoflagellate species are nontoxic and even ecotoxic, but some dinoflagellate species can be toxic to the aquarium and its residents. Gambierdiscus toxicus is a species of toxic dinoflagellate with the ability to produce toxins, which can lead to Ciguatera fish poisoning in humans. This toxin can be built up in the flesh of the fish and some marine animals, thus posing a qualitative risk to consumption. Other toxic dinoflagellate is the Ostreopsis ovata, which releases toxins capable of leading to respiratory disorders in humans. This type of dinoflagellate can also harm the health of the aquarium’s inhabitants, causing irritation and stress. Dinoflagellates can be added to a reef aquarium either via live rock, sand, or even new aquarium livestock (such as new fish or coral). They are also able to grow well in environments that are rich in nutrients (e.g., aquariums suffering from high levels of phosphate and nitrate).
The proliferation of these algae can also cause depletion of the water with oxygen and that can affect organization of the animals in the aquarium in a negative way.
Managing the phosphate level of a Barrier Reef Marine Aquarium is essential for understanding the level of phosphate they contain and incorporating that into an aquarium environment.
Observing and limiting phosphate can be used to guarantee the health and survival of fishes and plants inside the tank.
Phosphate is one of the key nutrients necessary for the survival of marine life. Nevertheless, high concentration of PO4 in an aquarium may cause many trouble, such as algae formation, lack of coral health, and fish death.
The main source of PO4 in marine aquaria is due to the fish waste, the uneaten food and the decomposed organic matter. Besides, tap water for aquaria may be high content with PO4. Hence, the monitoring and control of PO4 in aquarium should be regularly.
The control of PO4 levels may be achieved through the following approaches:
1. Regular water changes: Routine water changes can actively remove PO4 excess in the aquarium.
2. Protein skimmers: Protein skimmers are providing evaporation of the organic matter into the water, which will minimize the level of PO4.
3. Phosphate removers: There are numerous products on the market today which are capable of removing PO4 from the aquarium water. These are chemical media (e.g., activated carbon, aluminum oxide) that may be introduced in the filter system.
4. Feeding and maintenance: Good feeding and care can also be used to keep PO45 in check in the aquarium. Maintaining an appropriate stocking density and cleaning the aquarium in a regular manner help avoid an excess of organic matter in the water.
Controlling PO4 at recommended levels is also critical for the health of marine life. The acceptable levels of PO4 in a marine aquarium are 0.03 to 0.5 ppm (parts per million) recommended.
Regulation of PO4 levels is indispensable for the good health of marine organisms in an aquarium. Regular monitoring and control of PO4 levels should be included in standard aquarium husbandry.
Please follow and like us:
About Author
