Tropic Marin Plus NP

[Justin Cook]

I just started dosing Tropic Marin's Plus NP for very low levels of NO3 & PO4. It's my understanding that this particular method of introducing the two can't be tested for. Rather, they're in a form that's more readily available for corals to use but still won't show up on a test. Here's my question - should I also be dosing my standard NO3 and PO4 doses to keep the detectable levels up? I'm concerned that non-detectable PO4 might lead to dino growth and I want to avoid that. Can the non-detectable form of phosphate in +NP help inhibit dino growth? Since I can't test for NO3 & PO4 when using the +NP I'm very hesitant to dose both or one of those separately for fear of really screwing up my frag tank.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I agree that lack of ready detectability is a problem with this product.

Since we generally do not know precisely why low nitrate and phosphate leads to dinos (my theory is competition from something but for what and by what is not clear), then it is not clear that this product will serve the same function at any given dose, and I'd personally stick to nitrate and phosphate dosing, instead of, or in addition to, this product.

 

[Fam5dad]

I just started dosing Tropic Marin's Plus NP for very low levels of NO3 & PO4. It's my understanding that this particular method of introducing the two can't be tested for. Rather, they're in a form that's more readily available for corals to use but still won't show up on a test. Here's my question - should I also be dosing my standard NO3 and PO4 doses to keep the detectable levels up? I'm concerned that non-detectable PO4 might lead to dino growth and I want to avoid that. Can the non-detectable form of phosphate in +NP help inhibit dino growth? Since I can't test for NO3 & PO4 when using the +NP I'm very hesitant to dose both or one of those separately for fear of really screwing up my frag tank.

How did it work out for you? I started a few days ago. My skimmer is going crazy, the water is cloudy and the tank smells now. The fish are done thankfully. I'm bottomed out reading 0 for NO3 and PO4 so I need something but since your can't test for this product and the issues I'm thinking of trying something else but don't know what yet.

 

[RobB'z Reef]

If you need to dose either I'd skip the expensive magic potions and just use straight up potassium or sodium nitrate and/or phosphate. So much cheaper and literally does the same thing.

 

[Yooper Reef]

How did it work out for you? I started a few days ago. My skimmer is going crazy, the water is cloudy and the tank smells now. The fish are done thankfully. I'm bottomed out reading 0 for NO3 and PO4 so I need something but since your can't test for this product and the issues I'm thinking of trying something else but don't know what yet.

Just tried plus NP with the same result. It’s a long time since this thread was active but what happened with your tank?

 

[Pod_01]

Just tried plus NP with the same result. It’s a long time since this thread was active but what happened with your tank?

Out of curiosity, how big is your tank and how much did you dose?

I used it on my 10gal and corals looked ok, no cloudy water or smell and no Dino’s…

Cloudy water may suggest using too much Plus NP, it is carbon source so it will promote bacteria growth. When I used it I used 1/2 the minimum dose.

 

[Yooper Reef]

Out of curiosity, how big is your tank and how much did you dose?

I used it on my 10gal and corals looked ok, no cloudy water or smell and no Dino’s…

Cloudy water may suggest using too much Plus NP, it is carbon source so it will promote bacteria growth. When I used it I used 1/2 the minimum dose.

It’s 140 gallons and I dosed 4 ml per day for 3 days before noticing the smell. So far no “bad” results besides the smell.

 

[Pod_01]

It’s 140 gallons and I dosed 4 ml per day for 3 days before noticing the smell. So far no “bad” results besides the smell.

With TM carbon sources I tend to start slow, 1/4 dose for few weeks observe and increase if things look good. Maybe reduce your dose to 2ml or 1ml and observe.

I also use GAC (granular activated carbon). I use two tablespoons per 60gal in a beg and change 1/2 every 2 weeks. That may help with the smell…

 

[Yooper Reef]

It’s 140 gallons and I dosed 4 ml per day for 3 days before noticing the smell. So far no “bad” results besides the smell.

With TM carbon sources I tend to start slow, 1/4 dose for few weeks observe and increase if things look good. Maybe reduce your dose to 2ml or 1ml and observe.

I also use GAC (granular activated carbon). I use two tablespoons per 60gal in a beg and change 1/2 every 2 weeks. That may help with the smell…

Thanks! What brand carbon do you like?

 

[Pod_01]

Thanks! What brand carbon do you like?

I use this:

Any ROX 0.8 will work. The particles are tiny compared to other GAC so I had to get fine mesh bag…

 

[Yooper Reef]

Thanks! What brand carbon do you like?

I use this:

Any ROX 0.8 will work. The particles are tiny compared to other GAC so I had to get fine mesh bag…

I have the BRS version of that so I will try it out. Is there a problem if I just stop dosing for awhile to try and get the smell under control?

 

[Pod_01]

I have the BRS version of that so I will try it out. Is there a problem if I just stop dosing for awhile to try and get the smell under control?

When I get undesirable results or I overdose I sometimes just stop dosing for a week and restart at reduce dose.
I figure week should be enough for the extra carbon source to be consumed.