Phosphates in the water??

Question

Obviously, it would be perfect to have zero phosphates in my aquarium, but this is not possible because the water company adds phosphate to the tap water to protect the water pipes.

What is an acceptable level for a healthy aquarium?? mine is currently at 5ppm.

Answer 1

Phosphate isn't dangerous  to the fish in any levels you'd find in water, but 5 ppm is a VERY good way to grow algae.  There are phosphate removal resins that you could filter your tap water through prior to adding it to the tank.  Rowaphos is a great product and you could easily add a pad of it to a small filter in a bucket that you could "clean" your tap water with.  For algae control, under 1 ppm is a good start.