How do you determine if the tank is Nitrogen or Carbon limited

[takayan]

I often hear Nitrogen or Carbon limited in RC, but how do you determine if the tank is Nitrogen or Carbon limited. I know the Carbon and Nitrogen should be balanced, but not sure the ratio.

Also, if the tank is Nitrogen or Carbon limited , what would be happened in your tank? My feeling is that Nitrogen limited causes to decrease the Phosphate reduction rate. And Carbon limited causes to decrease the Nitrate reduction rate.

 

[reefmutt]

very good question and i would like to know the answer as well, perhaps the chemistry forum would get you better feedback..