Why are we chasing Nitrates and Phosphates? - The BRS/WWC System Ep9 | BRStv

[randyBRS]

Happy Friyay, R2R's!

If you didn't think Ryan had much to say about Nitrates and Phosphates, then you don't want to miss this one!

Today we dive deep into what it means to control nitrates and phosphates and how chasing numbers may lead to more issues than desired.

 

[brandon429]

We have threads showing a fifty ppm spread off a single sample ran by common popular nitrates kits. We're all horse-shoeing for closest estimation thinking we're being precise in nearly every case. I'm sure as time goes by digital accurate measures like what seneye does will streamline us much better.

 

[Ryanbrs]

We have threads showing a fifty ppm spread off a single sample ran by common popular nitrates kits. We're all horse-shoeing for closest estimation thinking we're being precise in nearly every case. I'm sure as time goes by digital accurate measures like what seneye does will streamline us much better.

We tested a couple here You are right it is more of a ballpark and less so perfect accuracy.

 

[brandon429]

I guess between this thread and the biofilter thread, I luv brs.

 

[Rakie]

20-25.

 

[DarkSky]

More than 0. After that, as long as I don't have a bunch of pest algae, I don't care what the levels are.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

My system removes nitrates so effectively that I have to dose potassium nitrate (Stump Killer) just to keep it above 0. I try to keep it between 5-10 with phosphates between .003 - .010. It grows chaeto like crazy, but no algae issues with my system running at these numbers and mine is a LPS dominant tank with a handful of SPS mixed in and the corals are absolutely thriving.

 

[DarkSky]

My system removes nitrates so effectively that I have to dose potassium nitrate (Stump Killer) just to keep it above 0. I try to keep it between 5-10 with phosphates between .003 - .010. It grows chaeto like crazy, but no algae issues with my system running at these numbers and mine is a LPS dominant tank with a handful of SPS mixed in and the corals are absolutely thriving.

Same. I'm feeding like crazy, 2 cubes of mysis, a chunk of LRS, 10ml acropower, and 5 scoops of reef chili daily. Chaeto refugs are just insanely good at taking out nutrients. I've reduced my fuge photo period just to get a few PPM of nitrates to show up.

 

[brandon429]

Mine was tested on a salifert right before water change once at 20.

 

[JeepinReefer]

Happy Friyay, R2R's!

If you didn't think Ryan had much to say about Nitrates and Phosphates, then you don't want to miss this one!

Today we dive deep into what it means to control nitrates and phosphates and how chasing numbers may lead to more issues than desired.

There may be a typo in the video presentation. I think you intended to say the PO4 goal is 0.05 ppm, not 0.5 ppm. That aside, quality information and presentation as always Team BRS!

 

[ca1ore]

Haven’t tested for anything other than alkalinity on my tank in almost a year.

 

[Jordan Prather]

My nitrates have never been an issue they stay low phosphate on the other hand is an issue at .8 last time I checked(right after I tied in my dads tank to my system) but it tends to stay around .45 for some reason

 

[vetteguy53081]

I rarely test. I let the fish and coral speak to me and any noticeable change, I then start to monitor+

 

[NefTunzReef]

There may be a typo in the video presentation. I think you intended to say the PO4 goal is 0.05 ppm, not 0.5 ppm. That aside, quality information and presentation as always Team BRS!

Yup, saw that too. He meant 0.05 ppm for the goal phosphate in new tanks. Otherwise another excellent comprehensive video by BRS. Well done!

 

[biophilia]

I was surprised to find my NO3 at 35ppm-ish last I checked. I used to have to dose KNO3 to keep it detectable, but these days I feed so much that I guess NO3 is spiking a bit. I haven't tested PO4 in quite a while so no idea what that is (often it's around 0.04-0.1ppm), but I can't say my tank looks any different with 5ppm, 15ppm, or 35ppm nitrate. For whatever reason, the tank has less film algae growth at 35ppm with heavy feeding than it did at 5-10ppm NO3 with nitrate dosing and moderate feeding. Who knows.

 

[Scrubber_steve]

If i had an accurate no3 test apparatus measuring my water every minute of the day, & its minimum reading was, say, 2.5ppm, wouldn't that show that my system had an excess of at least 2.49ppm?

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

I used shoot for around 5 but usually between 5-10 with phos below .005. I have been using Red Sea No3Po4x and my levels have been pretty stabil at <5 NO3 and .002 or so PO4. I do have a seneye and if I see any kind of Amm then I test for all.

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

I used to work for 5-10 NO3 and less than .005 PO4. I would typically be around 10 NO3. I started dosing 5ml Red Sea NO3PO4x daily in my 70 Gal mixed reef and now I am pretty steady at slightly less than 5 NO3 and about .003 PO4. Been pretty happy with the NO3PO4x. I also have a seneye, so I casn see any change quicker.

 

[xiaoxiy]

Just as a scientific heads up. DNA doesn't create amino acids .

 

[User1]

What are the odds that the Blue Spot Goby found a home dead smack in the middle of the aquarium for the world to see and be a center piece??? If you didn't catch it fast forward to 19:58. I had to giggle at that one. I've read threads with people asking how to do that because theirs is elsewhere with little view