Hanna Checkers

[briwill99]

When I was purchasing test kits I went for the low range phosphate tester. Now I am finding the ultra low range phosphorus may have been the better option. If I am getting pretty consistent 0.00 to 0.04 every time I test is it really a big deal? Or do you think I should spring for the Ultra Low.
Thoughts...

 

[Pife]

Ulr is the only way to go imho.

 

[_E_]

I prefer the ULR, but it really depends on what type of corals (and system) that you're wanting to run.

BRStv did a nice comparison of the two earlier this year. I'd check that out for some good info.

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[thabizness]

ULR

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[LX20000]

ULR is obviously better if you have Phosphates in the range it checks... if you are below 0.04 ppm, then you will get a much more accurate reading from ULR....

But if you are happy knowing you are below 0.04, then you probably don't need it. Are you having algae issues, or some other issue you are concerned about ??

 

[briwill99]

I have been getting a little algae growing on my rocks. Also a little diatom growing on sand bed.

 

[briwill99]

Here is a pic of the algae. I think it is gha, but would like consensus. I figured with phos at 0.04 or less and no3 at or near 0 that would be clean enough. I will get the ulr phos kit from Hanna to get the precision/accuracy i need. Should I then strive for <0.02? I also have a few softies in the same tank.

 

[Mr D smack]

Here is a pic of the algae. I think it is gha, but would like consensus. I figured with phos at 0.04 or less and no3 at or near 0 that would be clean enough. I will get the ulr phos kit from Hanna to get the precision/accuracy i need. Should I then strive for <0.02? I also have a few softies in the same tank.

GFO is like magic dust

 

[Pife]

I aim for nitrates of 5 and phosphates of. 03. Maybe you do not have enough clan up crew?

 

[briwill99]

I aim for nitrates of 5 and phosphates of. 03. Maybe you do not have enough clan up crew?

Maybe. I have a 65g. 5 hermits, 4 nasarious, 5 ceriths, 4 emerald crabs, and several banded trochus. The banded trochus snails are reproducing. I started with 6 and now have 4 adults and 20 to 30 juveniles in various sizes. Also have stomatellas reproducing. No idea how many stomatellas there are.

I don't want to be that guy that ignores the core reason for algae growth and just keeps adding cuc to bandaid the problem. However if the problem is insufficient cuc then I do want to add the right amount. I was hoping the trochus snails would reproduce enough to establish a balance between cuc and normal algae.

 

[briwill99]

I ordered the ulr phosphorus checker this morning. I guess my starting point is to get a better handle on where my phosphate level is and go from there.
Another thing to mention is I have been Allowing algae to grow on two sides of the tank. My thought was that would help keep nutrients down to minimize growth on the rocks. Is that wrong thinking?

 

[Pife]

I ordered the ulr phosphorus checker this morning. I guess my starting point is to get a better handle on where my phosphate level is and go from there.
Another thing to mention is I have been Allowing algae to grow on two sides of the tank. My thought was that would help keep nutrients down to minimize growth on the rocks. Is that wrong thinking?

It's your tank so do what you want. I'd throw one turbo in there as I think the are better for mowing down gha. I personally don't want algae in my display. If you can grow it that leads me to believe that you have a nutrient problem.

 

[briwill99]

I am wondering if this is indeed gha and not some sort of turf algae

 

[Pife]

I am wondering if this is indeed gha and not some sort of turf algae

It appears to be longer than turf algae.

 

[briwill99]

It's pretty short actually. Hard to tell in the close up. Here is the same pic zoomed out.

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[briwill99]

Not sure why that pic didn't show. I'll try again.

 

[briwill99]

Not sure why pics aren't showing. Any way it is about an inch to an inch and a half tall.

 

[Chris Abbott]

If removing algae is the goal, turbo snails are they way to go. They keep things tidy in the display, but I have plenty of algae growing in the fuge where it should be.

 

[briwill99]

I received my ULR phosphorus checker. Test showed 0.05 ppm phosphate. Nitrates still at or near zero. I can tell that the algae is receding a little. It appears the emerald crabs are bringing it under control slowly but surely. I am happy I got the ULR checker though. Always more peace of mind to have better accuracy on the numbers. Should I be ok at 0.05 or should I try to bring it down a little? Also wonder if 0 NO3 is OK. I have heard 5 to 10 is better.

 

[Nanook]

I received my ULR phosphorus checker. Test showed 0.05 ppm phosphate. Nitrates still at or near zero. I can tell that the algae is receding a little. It appears the emerald crabs are bringing it under control slowly but surely. I am happy I got the ULR checker though. Always more peace of mind to have better accuracy on the numbers. Should I be ok at 0.05 or should I try to bring it down a little? Also wonder if 0 NO3 is OK. I have heard 5 to 10 is better.

I think .05 nitrate is perfect. I usually like 3-5 on nitrate and will tolerate 10 if corals look good. I typically only text for nitrate and phosphate every 3-4 weeks, but test alkalinity every 3-4 days.