Phosphate and copper in fish food?

[DJOfir]

I was checking the ingredients in the fish food I am using for over a year now. And i found an ingredient about half way down called "L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate" then after that I also found in the same fish food "Copper Sulfate." Are these ingredients safe for the tank. Will they raise levels of copper or phosphates significantly?

[rayjay]

The levels of copper in the foods is so low that it would take forever to build up to lethal levels, but phosphates are in all foods and DO get to be problematic in tanks, along with trace elements that are added to the tank via fish foods/invert foods.

[leebca]

All fish foods contain some phosphates. Fish need some phosphates to remain healthy. Just wash out the excess. This is good guidance:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=785228

[DJOfir]

Ok thanks guys for the replies I think I understand now.