Phosphate and the Phosphorus Cycle for the Marine Hobby

Nutritive compounds of energy are used in efforts to satisfy life and reproductive requirements are met. It is amazing how much time and effort we spend in search of creating the best water scenario with limited nutrients in our water. The funny thing about this dilemma is the fact that we are constantly adding trace elements, liquid vitamins while over feeding and exceeding livestock populations within our aquariums. Extensive research and consistent testing seems to be the norm for aquarists of all biotope replications, in order to create the best case scenario for their water parameters, ultimately having a profound impact on life within their closed system environment and the long term health of their livestock. Carbon, nitrates and phosphates/phosphorus represent the largest pool of nutrients in any ecosystem. The carbon and nitrate cycles follow closely to one another, whereas the phosphorus cycle is very dissimilar due to its chemical nature.

Phosphorus has very limited resources compared to nitrates(nitrogen) and carbon in the atmosphere. Phosphorus-rich rock is the largest source of phosphorus and is transported to the oceanic regions through rivers and streams, ultimately being deposited as sediment in our oceans. Phosphorus tends to show low solubility in water making this less available to ecosystems.

Phosphorus comes in two forms, organic and inorganic, though phosphorus is mainly connected to inorganic or orthophosphate. As for the phosphorus status, without taking our aquariums into consideration initially, it is very difficult for living organisms to receive the recommended amount of phosphorus. Phosphorus frequently binds with iron and aluminum rich sediment reducing the amount available for living animals. Deficiencies in carbon or nitrogen can be dealt with by life much easier than with a limitation in phosphorus. Mechanisms are made available for life to gather and create nitrogen and carbon for their survival, whereas a limitation in phosphorus replenishment will have adverse reactions and could cause severe implications unless soluble phosphorus can be acquired.

Phosphorus is crucial to life as it is a building block of nucleic acids, lipids and proteins. It is also a component of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) and nicotinamid adenosine dinucleotide phosphate(NADP), both of which are responsible for transferring energy in living organisms. Phosphorus therefore, is very crucial to the supporting of life. Too much of a good thing does not come without its imperfections and downfalls, unfortunately! On land, fertilizers, detergents, and various other human sources lay in soils etc. only to eventually become part of our rivers, ponds, streams through leaching, run-off and erosion. Eventually finding their way into the coastlines and ocean biotopes, where algae blooms will prevail. This opens up a whole new can of worms for life within
these areas.

Phosphates in our marine and fresh water aquariums can become present from various sources. Fish foods, decayed or uneaten foods, decayed algae and other plant matter, fish, bacteria and other decomposing sources and also phosphates in tap water, calcium, carbon and some salt mixes. This is just a small list of some of the ways that phosphates can be introduced into our aquariums causing a negative outcome to our water and overall aesthetics.

Their are ways of not avoiding phosphates but controlling its elevated levels. By focusing on the sources, and others, listed above will get you off on the right foot. Combined with weekly small water changes using RO/DI filtrated water and the employment of a phosphate reactor, the results will not only be recognized but will ensure your tank will look better.

It is a good idea to invest in a good phosphate test kit to help you keep track of phosphate levels, more-so, than by just winging it. Yes, phosphate kits typically just test for the inorganic or orthophosphates, just part of the phosphorus puzzle. Testing, keeping track of and limiting the sources listed above will offer you better results by allowing you to gain a stronghold on your possible phosphate issues. These phosphate and nitrate problems could haunt you take away from your prized possession in your aquarium.