phosphate testing

[Lance]

Originally Posted by christyf5

I think the phosphates get immediately (or pretty darn close) tied up in the growth of algae. SInce the alge is harbouring them, theres none to be measured. I have close to zero phosphates and have caulerpa glueing all my rocks together. I have to "harvest" it monthly from one of my birdsnest corals.

I agree with Christy. I read somewhere that it is very difficult to get a proper reading on phosphates unless your tank is algae free. Who has that?
I kind of monitor the algae growth: if it starts to grow faster I change out the Rowaphos and add a little Phosphate Destroyer from Tailored Aquatics. Seems to work for me.