Optimal SPS environment

[Montrosereef]

I read so much conflicting information about the range of 3 basics. Can someone tell me if I am giving my SPS optimal environment.

Temperture 79-80
Alk. 11
Mag. Around 1400
Cal. 450
Nitrate 0.75-1ppm
Phosphate 0.36-0.64
(continue using Nopox to lower)

 

[BillyC]

Besides phosphates obviously, you're good. But that kind of PO4 level is going to give you slow growth and brown sps. Good luck man.

 

[CUNAReefer]

Besides phosphates obviously, you're good. But that kind of PO4 level is going to give you slow growth and brown sps. Good luck man.

+1 You will want to pin point the source of your phosphate and eliminate it. Phosphate needs to be closer to .02 (IMHO). You can still maintain a healthy SPS reef with higher phosphate, but levels at or above .10 tend to generate nuissance algae.

Warmest Regards,
James

 

[Montrosereef]

Thanks guys! I hope NoPox is working.

 

[BillyC]

If I were you I would try to focus on the actual cause of excess po4. If you feed frozen food, cut back a lot and rinse it in a net before you out it in your tank. If you're feeding flakes, stop because they are extremely high in po4s also. Do your water changes with only TRUSTED rodi water. And do weekly 10-20% water changes until phosphates start going down.

Using chemicals like Noooo are better for maintaining low po4 levels, not lowering them IMO.