Pardon the provocative title, but I wanted to introduce a discussion of nitrate levels in the reef aquarium. Most individuals aim to keep their nitrates below 5 ppm (1) , so I thought it would be noteworthy to discuss the reason for this and why this is sought after (calcification rates, coloration, health of the coral, etc.).
As a springboard for discussion, I thought it was interesting that WWC tries to maintain their nitrates at 10-20 ppm. (2) While I'm not trying to suggest they are the final authority for reef chemistry, it is interesting that generally speaking, it would seem that a majority of reefers would be pleased to own one of the WWC show tanks, yet most reefers that are purchasing corals from WWC seem to disregard their nitrate parameters.
Sources:
(1) http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=7960
(2) http://ecotechmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/World_Wide_Corals_Coral-lab_03.pdf
As a springboard for discussion, I thought it was interesting that WWC tries to maintain their nitrates at 10-20 ppm. (2) While I'm not trying to suggest they are the final authority for reef chemistry, it is interesting that generally speaking, it would seem that a majority of reefers would be pleased to own one of the WWC show tanks, yet most reefers that are purchasing corals from WWC seem to disregard their nitrate parameters.
Sources:
(1) http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=7960
(2) http://ecotechmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/World_Wide_Corals_Coral-lab_03.pdf