JBL TESTLAB Bedienungsanleitung Seite 24

Phosphate sensitive (PO
Special features:
The JBL Phosphate Test Set PO 4 sensitive is designed for measuring and routinely controlling
the phosphate content in saltwater and freshwater within the range of 0.05-1.8 mg/l (ppm).
Using the compensation method developed specially by JBL, precise and reliable results can
be obtained even in moderately discoloured aquarium water e.g. caused by peat filters and
disease treatment. Through the high sensitivity of this test the impending danger of excessive
phosphate levels can be recognised at a very early stage and suitable preventative measures
to be taken in good time.
Why test?
In the natural environment phosphate, a vital plant nutrient, only occurs in very low concentrations.
The average levels are about 0.01 mg/l in freshwater and about 0.07 mg/l in saltwater. Plants and
algae have adapted to these meagre levels and only require minimal amounts of phosphate.
In an aquarium and in the garden pond , the main sources of phosphate in the water are the
digestive processes of the fish and food residue. Under unfavourable circumstances (particularly
in heavily-stocked aquariums) phosphate levels can reach up to 100 times or more above the
natural levels. This inevitably leads to an explosive increase in undesirable algae. This danger
can be identified by measuring the phosphate level in time using the JBL Phosphate Test Set
PO sensitive and appropriate remedial action can be taken. It is important to know that algae
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can store considerable quantities of phosphate, enabling them to continue to grow even after
the level of phosphate in the water has been reduced. Therefore the sooner the danger of a rise
in the phosphate content is identified, the better the chances of quickly averting an imminent
plague of algae. In a freshwater aquarium, levels of up to 0.4 mg/l are acceptable. In a marine
aquarium, the phosphate level should be as close as possible to the natural level. In the garden
pond levels should be kept below 0.1 mg/l. Ideally, the phosphate level of the pond should not be
measurable with this test, i.e. it should be below 0.05 mg/l. It is important that garden fertilizer
does not seep into the pond from the soil around the pond.
Remedies:
Aquarium:
• Filtering with JBL PhosEx ultra, absorbing with JBL PhosEx rapid
• Regular partial changes of water (in freshwater 20-30 % every 2 weeks, in saltwater 10 %
every 4 weeks)
• Appropriate, not over-generous, feeding
• Avoidance of care products containing phosphates. An aquarium is not the place for fertilizers
for house or garden plants! JBL care products do not contain either phosphate or nitrate.
Garden pond:
• Absorbing with JBL PhosEx rapid
• Careful, not over-generous, feeding
• Avoidance of fertilizer seeping in to pond from surrounding soil
Note:
Check the phosphate level in your mains water. Many household water supplies have a phosphate
dosage unit installed to prevent corrosion of the piping. If this is the case, try to take the water for
your aquarium from a point before this unit, (asking the house owner for permission!)
Instructions:
1. Repeatedly rinse both test jars with the water to be tested.
2. Use the enclosed syringe to fill each of the test containers with 10 ml of sample water.
3. Add the reagent to one of the two test containers as follows:
a) A small measuring spoon of reagent 1 (narrow end of enclosed double spoon), close lid
and shake until dissolved
b) 10 drops of reagent 2, shake, leave to stand for 10 minutes.
4. Place both test containers in the comparator block: the container with the added reagent at
the smooth end of the comparator block, the container with untreated sample water (blank
sample) at the notched end of the comparator block.
5. Move the comparator block with the two test containers backwards and forwards on the colour
chart with the notch pointing to the values, until the colour of the sample treated with reagent
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UK