Ideal nitrate levels - higher than what is recommended?

[alex277]

I’m currently in the process of getting my tank ready for coral, for background, this is the first saltwater tank I’ve had, done plenty of freshwater in the past. General consensus seems to be, under 5, or 5-10. I’m planning to do a mixed reef, majority LPS, with a few soft, and a couple more hardy SPS (such as birds nest). I watched a BRS video, where World Wide Coral stated 20-25 is what they keep theirs at, and that it is the most ideal for coloration. This is higher than what is generally recommended, but they are having clear success doing it. What is everyone’s thoughts, is 5-10 or 20ish a better goal to shoot for? Somewhere in the middle? Specifically for the type of corals I am going for, what would be best? Thanks for any help!

 

[Alex Cataldo]

For the majority of reef tanks, 20-25 ppm nitrate is only manageable in a very controlled, established tank. It is much easier to manage around 5-10 ppm nitrate while starting up the tank to avoid algae and problems. Once your tank has matured, that is the time to experiment with different nutrient levels.