.01/.02 phosphates, some hair algae. Should i get them higher?

[fersann]

Hello reefing community,
My parameters are:

Nitrates 8.5
Phosphates .01/.02
Alk 8
Mg 1450
Calcium 440

I have some few hair algae. My corals look like if they are starving.

My question is. Should i get my phosphates higher?

 

[Miami Reef]

Very beautiful tank.

If you corals look too pale, I’d definitely consider raising the phosphates. There are studies that show phosphate deficiencies can cause coral bleaching: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28242282/

The algae can be managed by adding a fish to consume it. I think foxface fish or a zebrasoma tang are outstanding options, but not every tank is large enough to house one.