P&N Swings

[Redfoxtang]

So does phosphate and nitrate swings affect SPS? I have read a couple post some saying yes, while some saying no. So is there evidence stating yes or is it all anecdotal? When i mean swings i mean 0-200PPB as i have hanna for phos and 0-100PPM for N03 testing with Salifert. Im not saying i have swings that large just asking if it affects SPS with swings that big?

 

[Graffiti Spot]

For sure nutrient swings will stress acropora and maybe kill them if it’s stressful enough.

 

[Dom]

In my view, swings of any kind can be summed up in one word: instability.

A tank needs to be stable. Stability creates an environment in which your inhabitants can adjust and thrive. When you have instability, you are asking your inhabitants to adjust constantly to changes, which is very stressful.

Please tell us more about your setup...

- How big is your tank? Do you use a sump? And what is the total water volume of the two?
- Do you dose?
- How old is the tank?

 

[Redfoxtang]

In my view, swings of any kind can be summed up in one word: instability.

A tank needs to be stable. Stability creates an environment in which your inhabitants can adjust and thrive. When you have instability, you are asking your inhabitants to adjust constantly to changes, which is very stressful.

Please tell us more about your setup...

- How big is your tank? Do you use a sump? And what is the total water volume of the two?
- Do you dose?
- How old is the tank?

This is true. I meant to ask this question as an all around question really not nothing personal with my tank. But the reason I do ask is because I do dose phosphate and nitrate using brightwells. I have been seeing the formulas change and my nutrients trend to be different bottle to bottle when dosed. So with that being said I try my best to keep my levels as stable as possible.

 

[Dom]

This is true. I meant to ask this question as an all around question really not nothing personal with my tank. But the reason I do ask is because I do dose phosphate and nitrate using brightwells. I have been seeing the formulas change and my nutrients trend to be different bottle to bottle when dosed. So with that being said I try my best to keep my levels as stable as possible.

Typically, you dose Nitrates (NO3) and Phosphates (PO4) when you test and measure ZERO. If I am in your place, I stop dosing and test weekly. See what your numbers look like without intervention. You may be dosing when it isn't necessary.

 

[ScottR]

This is my opinion and I’m no expert. Salinity, alk, Ca and Mg swings will harm SPS indefinitely. PO4 and NO3 are used as building blocks for corals. So they use them when they need them. I doubt they use them constantly where if one depleted for a day, it’ll harm the coral itself. However, in high concentrations, it’ll harm the coral. There are no guidelines on this and all we truly know is stability is key.

 

[Redfoxtang]

Typically, you dose Nitrates (NO3) and Phosphates (PO4) when you test and measure ZERO. If I am in your place, I stop dosing and test weekly. See what your numbers look like without intervention. You may be dosing when it isn't necessary.

Exactly, so after a fantastic live sale score, adding more coral and testing P04 and N03 weekly ive noticed nutrients basically fell off the map. So ive been dosing to hopefully re stabilize these too. I know adding more fish could potentially help but this is not an option. I just want to be sure dosing N03 and P04 wont cause to much harm to corals. I do know the GHA is loving live after dosing.