Nitrate

[PeaBrain]

Could someone give me the straight dope on the importance of a particular level of Nitrate? I've always been encouraged by my LFS to aim for Zero nitrates, but my understanding is zero ain't good. I do feed flake, but my nitrates (and phosphates) are consistently non existent. The corals are not dying, but I would like to see better color and faster growth, if possible.

 

[PeaBrain]

bump

 

[StlSalt]

I'm not an expert, there's plenty of those around though. My understanding on Nitrates is that you want some in your system for corals and maybe even all of the CUC and microfauna in your tank. Ideally you'd have .0001 nitrates since that would mean all of the nitrates were being used and you had the smallest possible leftover nitrates in your tank. I can't measure nitrates that low so I aim for 5 ppm like most on here do. I don't keep sticks so I'm not sure what the SPS crowd likes their nitrates to be. If nothing else this post will serve as another bump.

 

[Thespammailaccount]

Zero nitrate and phosphates are not recommended it can affect the color of corals. Soft corals and lps need some nutrients. There is a type of system ULNS or ultra low nutrient system a type of SPS system that is run close to zero and changes the color of the coral

 

[Pistondog]

bump

Since no one else is chiming in.
Id say 5 to 10 ppm nitrate and less than 0.1 ppm phosphate is ok for most corals as long as the changes are not quick.
As to the importance, I think these are indicators of the level of tank nutrients that corals use to grow and stay healthy.
There is much discussion if you search these forums.

 

[Thespammailaccount]

Why type of corals do you have?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I recommend 2-10 ppm nitrate for any reef tank.