Sps and nutrients

[reefpeeper]

So as most of you know nutrients play a part in the health of sps especially the colors. My question for you guys/gals is do you think sps uptake more nutrients than other corals? The reason i bring this up is that ever since i started keeping sps it seems harder for me to keep my nutrients up. I do feed frozen mysis and brine shrimp. Also pellets and add trace/aminos. I feel like i feed alot more and do less waterchanges than when i had other tanks and my levels never rise. I actually have to add nitrate and phosphate. Any input on this would be appreciated

 

[Max93]

I think nutrients are different than nitrates and phosphates.

From what I’ve learned, your nutrients going THROUGH your system is what feeds your acros. Nitrates and phosphates at detectable levels is just the leftover nutrients. Those need to be lower, but not undetectable.

So heavy import, heavy export. I’ve been feeding my tank heavily for about a month now and I am seeing an increase in growth rates.

 

[Pod_01]

Nitrates and phosphates at detectable levels is just the leftover nutrients.

I am with you on the NO3 but disagree with phosphates.

From my experience phosphates (PO4) below 0.05 turn SPS into this:

With phosphate above that level same coral few months later:

My system used dead rock and I use two part for dosing. Drop in PO4 is always detrimental and repeatable.

People who use CarX reactor with dead coral stones can make the claim PO4 is not important because the reactor provides constant supply of PO4 at proper rate.

Healthy growing SPS reef tank will consume nutrients, major elements and trace elements.
Fish poop is another good source of some of these elements like P.

 

[Max93]

I am with you on the NO3 but disagree with phosphates.

From my experience phosphates (PO4) below 0.05 turn SPS into this:

With phosphate above that level same coral few months later:

My system used dead rock and I use two part for dosing. Drop in PO4 is always detrimental and repeatable.

People who use CarX reactor with dead coral stones can make the claim PO4 is not important because the reactor provides constant supply of PO4 at proper rate.

Healthy growing SPS reef tank will consume nutrients, major elements and trace elements.
Fish poop is another good source of some of these elements like P.

Oh yeah phosphates are definitely important they’re a building block! I’m just saying too much of it, is bad.

I like to think of phosphates like clogged pores on your skin, your skin can’t breathe and you get acne. Too much and you reduce calcification. Let me know if this analogy makes sense… lol

 

[Lavey29]

My nitrates stay 10 to 15 and phosphate at .2 to .3 consistently. I have 38 SPS corals that started as small frags and are now thriving colonies so I think having sufficient nutrients levels is essential to SPS success in my tank. Very experienced reefers have had success running ULNS but that fad seems to be fading now.

 

[reefpeeper]

I def see a difference when my nitrates and phosphates are detectable, but struggle to keep them up. Why?

 

[Max93]

I def see a difference when my nitrates and phosphates are detectable, but struggle to keep them up. Why?

Probably because the food you are adding is being completely utilized right away. If your corals are looking meh, feed more throughout the day. Add an auto feeder or feed more any way you want.