Anyone running Acropora dominated systems with phosphates above 0.1?

[Bohemian Waxwing]

I've been hesitant to dive into any of the higher end acros due to my system sitting comfortable around 0.12 to 0.18. I was wondering if anyone is growing acros that aren't the easier ones (slimers, torts, etc) at higher PO4 levels?

 

[F i s h y]

For what it is worth, I wouldn't consider .12 to .18 higher. I run .3 to .5 on Po4 and have some higher end tenius, and other acros. I also run 25 No3.

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

For what it is worth, I wouldn't consider .12 to .18 higher. I run .3 to .5 on Po4 and have some higher end tenius, and other acros. I also run 25 No3.

Thanks for reframing that, you read all kinds of acceptable ranges. Someone I met locally tried to keep his sub 0.05 and swear by it.

 

[Troylee]

I started dosing phosphate along side of ammonia cause the ammonia makes it drop for some weird reason! My tank typically runs .08 and I had it up to .3 with no ill effects! I’ve since dropped it down a little and riding it out at .15 and like my results.

 

[mjszos]

Unless you're catastrophically high, I think the general consensus is that as long as you minimize fluctuations you should be OK.

 

[exnisstech]

TOTM I've seen other TOTM also with higher nutrients.

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/reef-of-the-month-february-2025-quang-dos-acropora-delight.1086/

 

[exnisstech]

I started dosing phosphate along side of ammonia cause the ammonia makes it drop for some weird reason! My tank typically runs .08 and I had it up to .3 with no ill effects! I’ve since dropped it down a little and riding it out at .15 and like my results.

I'm seeing the same in regards to PO4 dropping while dosing ammonium in my acro tank and am also dosing PO4 in small amounts. I love what it's doing for NO3. My tank has always been a chronic ULNS for some unknown reason.

 

[backbayreef]

My PO4 is over 0.9 (highest level of low-range Hanna) and very high nutrient levels. I can raise SPS like weeds but can’t keep Tenuis though.

 

[Dburr1014]

Hmm, I haven't tested my system in a few months, for anything.
I was generally 0.1 to 0.18 in PO4 and hanna always have me a big 0 for No3.
Things are still growing so I assume :) things are still the same.
I think today is a good time to check!

My PO4 is over 0.9 (highest level of low-range Hanna) and very high nutrient levels. I can raise SPS like weeds but can’t keep Tenuis though.

Yikes! That's pretty high!

 

[xiaoxiy]

I’m currently sitting between 0.3 to 0.5ppm on my system.

 

[BryanM]

Thanks for reframing that, you read all kinds of acceptable ranges. Someone I met locally tried to keep his sub 0.05 and swear by it.

Ranges that work vary wildly.

I think ICP test results are why there's a common theme to keep phos at .03-.06.... Mimicking natural seawater... I personally think that's too low in our tanks and seriously risks bottoming out phos.

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

I started dosing phosphate along side of ammonia cause the ammonia makes it drop for some weird reason! My tank typically runs .08 and I had it up to .3 with no ill effects! I’ve since dropped it down a little and riding it out at .15 and like my results.

How are you liking the new LEDs? Any thoughts of switching back to MH? I gotta go find your thread and see what's up.

 

[Troylee]

How are you liking the new LEDs? Any thoughts of switching back to MH? I gotta go find your thread and see what's up.

I’m honestly loving them! They grew on me! At first I was like idk if this is gonna work out! My tank looks so dim compared to the halides but the growth is very similar! Granted it’s only been a month but I had corals stalled out for a year and they finally sprouted branches and are doing well!

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

I’m honestly loving them! They grew on me! At first I was like idk if this is gonna work out! My tank looks so dim compared to the halides but the growth is very similar! Granted it’s only been a month but I had corals stalled out for a year and they finally sprouted branches and are doing well!

That's awesome. They look good!

Ya the one fault I have with a lot of LED options is how dim they can look even while being the same PAR. It's why I have a hard time getting rid of my T5 supplements.

 

[billyocean]

Those p04 numbers are fine. Once you cross a certain number and or size of acros... they eat p04 fast anyways

 

[areefer01]

I've been hesitant to dive into any of the higher end acros due to my system sitting comfortable around 0.12 to 0.18. I was wondering if anyone is growing acros that aren't the easier ones (slimers, torts, etc) at higher PO4 levels?

Yep, I am. Pretty sure you already knew that though ;) We are being taught that nutrients are a scary thing. Maybe they are, maybe not. Balanced herbivores are key in my opinion. Observation equally as important. Before the first phosphate test was available to hobbyist we never gave it a second thought.

Hope you and yours are doing well.

This is my ICP history.

Current phosphate numbers:

Video from last year. Nothing has really changed other than the colonies grew.

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

Yep, I am. Pretty sure you already knew that though ;) We are being taught that nutrients are a scary thing. Maybe they are, maybe not. Balanced herbivores are key in my opinion. Observation equally as important. Before the first phosphate test was available to hobbyist we never gave it a second thought.

Hope you and yours are doing well.

This is my ICP history.

Current phosphate numbers:

Video from last year. Nothing has really changed other than the colonies grew.

I love your tank! It really does look like a reef. Barely a hint of rock, that's the dream

 

[Troylee]

Yep, I am. Pretty sure you already knew that though ;) We are being taught that nutrients are a scary thing. Maybe they are, maybe not. Balanced herbivores are key in my opinion. Observation equally as important. Before the first phosphate test was available to hobbyist we never gave it a second thought.

Hope you and yours are doing well.

This is my ICP history.

Current phosphate numbers:

Video from last year. Nothing has really changed other than the colonies grew.

My nutrients are high and I got Dino’s! :yawning-face: Luckily it’s not a bad strain cause I bought a uv light and over night it was about 65% gone! Today will tell me when I get home what I’m really up against! I haven’t seen the tank but I get off work here in a hour!

 

[areefer01]

I love your tank! It really does look like a reef. Barely a hint of rock, that's the dream

Ty Northern. You are kind. Stay amazing.

 

[JonoH]

Yes...mine ranges anywhere from 0.08-0.21.

Acro's are growing great :-)