Question about phosphate measurements

[Brian cutuli]

Was wonder what the difference between phosphate p and phosphate p04 3- and what reading would be ideal for a reef tank

 

[GHOSTLY]

Not sure about the first but for the ideal level anywhere between 0.03 to 0.1 works. I have buddies with 0 phosphate do successful and buddies with .6 phosphate be successful but usually that range is ideal

 

[Brian cutuli]

Not sure about the first but for the ideal level anywhere between 0.03 to 0.1 works. I have buddies with 0 phosphate do successful and buddies with .6 phosphate be successful but usually that range is ideal

Thank you

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

This is my recommendation:

Randy’s Thoughts on Nutrient Target Ranges

Thoughts on Nutrient Target Ranges by Randy Holmes-Farley Almost nothing in the world of reef aquarium chemistry causes as much discussion as selecting and maintaining ranges for nitrate and phosphate. Some aquarists want low targets, some want...

www.reef2reef.com

from it:

• 4. What targets seem reasonable? Of course, that depends on all the other factors at play, such as types of corals, availability of ammonia, particulate foods, etc. However, for a mature mixed reef, this would be how I personally would run it:
  • Let nitrate float between 5 ppm and 50 ppm. I’d use gentle export in this range, such as growing macroalgae.
  • Above 50 ppm, I’d begin to focus more on reducing it, by organic carbon dosing, turf or macroalgae, etc.
  • Below 5 ppm, I’d begin to dose ammonia or feed more. The target level might drop lower if dosing ammonia, just like the heavy in/heavy out scenario where nitrate may not be as needed.
  • Let phosphate float between about 0.06 ppm and 0.3 ppm. This range is higher than I’ve recommended in the past. I’d use gentle export in this range, such as growing macroalgae.
  • Above about 0.3 ppm, I’d begin to focus more on reducing it, by turf or macroalgae, or a binder such as GFO or lanthanum (has its own risks to tangs). If a binder: GO SLOW. Turf and macroalgae will typically be slow enough.
  • Below 0.06 ppm, I’d begin to dose sodium phosphate or feed more to get the level up.