Nitrate level in a mixed reef tank

[davilahope]

What should my nitrate level be when I have sps corals specifically acros and monti caps

 

[Justfebreezeit]

Barely detectable is ideal. 2-5ppm is a good range to shoot for.

 

[Katrina71]

Mine are 10 and they do fine, but most people agree with the above.

 

[Jeff Hall]

Whatever your tank likes to run at...As long as things are doing well

 

[lapin]

Whatever your tank likes to run at...As long as things are doing well

+1 on this.
My new mixed tank is about 1 year old. Likes to run at 3N and .15P. I tried to increase the N and got cyano out my ear. Tried to reduce the P and got cyano out both ears. Its back to where it was before my messing with it. The cyano is going away. The fish and corals didnt really care.

 

[NS Mike D]

fwiw Red Sea publishes these parameters for mixed reef tanks

RECOMMENDED MAIN WATER PARAMETERS
Salinity 34 ppt 1.024@25°C
Calcium 450 ppm
Magnesium 1350 ppm
Alkalinity 11.5 dKH
Nitrate 1-2 ppm
Phosphate 0.08-0.12 ppm


I think that ALK is on the high side but I also suspect that a mixed reef will have corals that will do great and corals that will be meh regardless of what you target and that all is well so long as you are within a range of these numbers provided you are consistent.

 

[speedstar]

I have scene SPS tanks that are thriving and at 25ppm. IMO po4 is more the issue

 

[Scrubber_steve]

Red Sea RECOMMENDED MAIN WATER PARAMETERS

Alkalinity 11.5 dKH

I think that ALK is on the high side

At 205.7 ppm its above recommended maximum. Why would they recommend that :confused:

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Your levels are good, just just want some that is detecable. If you tank want to sit at a certain levels and everything is good just let it be.