Aindrais

Hi, sorry if this sort of question has already been asked but,
I have noticed that alot of people who set up new aquariums and test the water 'before' putting fish in it, have very high levels of phosphate (>10ppm) as tested via the 'Aquarium Pharmaceuticals' Phosphate test kit.
I was wondering if anybody else has had similar problems and/or knows what is going on. Clearly something in the new aquarium is causing high phosphate levels, but since there are no fish in, it clearly isnt fish/fish food etc causing it.

Thanks for any help.

Marc

There could be phosphates in the tap/well water, I guess. Not sure.

Aindrais

I thought that was likely also, but i've tested water straight from the tap, at most its roughly 0.5ppm, so its unlikely the tap water itself is giving the overall high phosphate...