What is Phosphate?
Phosphate is a major nutrient found principally in fish food to help with growth, good bone formation and many other biological processes. However, not all of the phosphate will be utilised by the fish and will be excreted as a waste product. It can also be generated by the breakdown of other organic matter and is also often present in tap water. While phosphate is beneficial for life, it is only required in small quantities.
Why test for Phosphate?
Increased phosphate in the water column is often a major contributor to the growth of nuisance algae. At low levels, it is generally considered safe for fish, but should be monitored for algae prevention. Higher concentrations of phosphate can start to interfere with the mineral balance within fish.
What is the correct phosphate level?
The ideal phosphate concentration should be as close to zero as possible. While some phosphate is desirable to aid with the healthy growth of higher plants, only trace amounts between 0 and 0.25 mg/L PO4-P are required.
What do I do if the Phosphate level is wrong?
In most instances, regular partial water changes with dechlorinated tap water should help to keep the phosphate low. Check the phosphate concentration in the tap water too to make sure phosphate isn’t being accidentally introduced. Algae Gone is a liquid solution that can be used to bind phosphate. Aquarium Phosphate Remover is a filter medium that has a high affinity for phosphate and can provide continual phosphate removal for 3 months (depending on phosphate load).
How do I do the test?
Ensure the test tube is clean. Take a 5 ml sample of aquarium water into the test tube. Add 5 drops of the phosphate reagent, place the cap on the tube and mix gently for a few seconds. Wait 5 minutes for the test to develop, remove the cap and look down through the test tube to determine the colour. Compare this colour to the colour chart provided to determine the phosphate concentration.
Looking for fish food? Find our Pro-f range here.
It’s been great to watch this highly successful and innovative company develop its product range to meet the challenging needs of Koi Keepers. It’s great to have a definitive go to brand.
Nigel Caddock - Nishikigoi Yearbook Magazine
It will be manufactures like NT Labs who give support to retail shops that be rewarded in the long term for their support to the trade
Kernow Aquatics & Reptiles
We have been working closely with NT labs for many years now. We stock their Pond range and test kits, we strongly believe they are the best liquid test kits on the market, we use them in-store and have sold many over the years. Last year we have began stocking more of their fantastic ranges including their Pro-f food range and Aquarium range of water treatments.
Nicholas Cox - The Aquatic Store Bristol
Excellent technical department that knows it's chemicals as well as it's fish!
Matt Sands
At FishCove Aquatics we are huge fans of NT labs range of products we have seen fantastic results using the food and even bigger results with the liquid fertiliser. Tried and tested by us recommend by many.
FishCove Aquatics - Dorset
“I Just wanted to say thank you for the help with bacterial issues I had in my pond. I can happily say that the mouth rot of one fish and the fin rot of two others has cleared up to near perfection now. I have been really impressed with the service from your technical team. I have already recommended online that people ask NT Labs about their products and recommended usage.”
Richard Pashley
Your Probiotic food is absolutely brilliant! I bought twenty one 1 year old Japanese Koi via a fish farm in Ogata, Japan about 3 years ago. I’ve been feeding them on Probiotic and Probiotic Growth in the summer months. Some of are now 2ft in length and of superior quality. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Paul Munday - Consumer review
I have used many products for the eradication of aiptasia over the last 15 years. Often with poor results. After purchasing the Anti-Aiptasia, I was astonished with the results! Absolutely fantastic and not like the competitors which normally contains some form of hydroxide. I would highly recommend NT Labs Anti-Aiptasia. This is arguably the best in the market!
Viv Samuels-Lee - Consumer Review
We use Blanketweed Balance, and find it highly successful in the battle against Blanketweed.
We recommend it to all of our customers and feedback is very positive.
It is now our best selling Blanketweed treatment.
Another top quality product from NT Labs
Roydon Hamlet Water Garden
I work at a pet store in Durban (South Africa) and have had the best results with my salt water aquariums that I have EVER seen. I have been in the industry for about 10 years now and seriously recommend the products supplied by NT Labs. All our customers that have used anti-aiptasia swear by this product and have said that it over rules every other product out there. Highly recommended.
Brandon Baker - South Africa
"I called your offices for support and was put in touch with one of your Aquatic Biologists. He has been incredibly helpful...
Without your help, my fish would be suffering and I might have had to stop keeping Koi. I cannot recommend your products, or staff, enough."
John - Customer Service Review
I’ve used and sold NT Labs products for many years. Now I have my own shop I always recommend their products as I know the quality is there and trust that my customers will see this too. They are a great company to deal with and always find Nigel, my sales representative is so helpful.
Daryl - Harborough Aquatics
Where to Buy?
Knowledge Hub
Dosage Calculator
Diagnosis Tool
Products 
Indoor
Outdoor