Ideal nitrate level for SPS

[preef]

I had always thought that nitrate should be maintained as close to zero as possible. Lately I've been seeing threads that indicate that some nitrate improves SPS health and coloration. My nitrate level is usually around 0.5 ppm or less. It will occasionally test higher but never above 4 ppm.

So where should nitrate be maintained? I'd love to see pics that show the difference between two different levels.

 

[Kenfuzed]

Isn't 0 and undetectable one in the same?

 

[serpentman]

Personally, I've had significantly more color and growth since my nitrates reached ~5ppm. The key is to do so while keeping PO4 in check.

 

[Psionicdragon]

I noticed at 10ppm of nitrate, PE Is less and coloration becomes browned out despite Po4 being at 0. However, they are growing.

 

[davenia7]

My monti cap had best growth between 2-5. Above 5 it slowed, below 2 it stopped.

 

[Tempset]

I strive to keep it @ 0ppm. Just about every totm states nitrate is 0ppm.

I firmly believe in doing what works.

 

[mpoletti]

I noticed at 10ppm of nitrate, PE Is less and coloration becomes browned out despite Po4 being at 0. However, they are growing.

I strive to keep it @ 0ppm. Just about every totm states nitrate is 0ppm.
I firmly believe in doing what works.

My tank has its best colors and vibrance at 10ppm. I may not be TOTM, but thats just my experience. I think it also depends on what colors you are shooting for.

 

[Amphiprion]

I still say undetectable, preferably. See my reply in another thread for my feelings on the subject (ignore the first part, the second/last part is what I mean): http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16415409&postcount=38

 

[Logzor]

Mark, how do you get to 10ppm without putting PO4 through the roof?

I know when my tank hits undetectable nitrates my corals become more pale. In my BB system it is difficult to keep nitrates up, though. What can I feed to keep them up without PO4?

 

[jedi31]

I only had a few fish in my 90 and my nitrates were 0 but my corals were pale and didn't grow much. I added a few Anthias and a Wrasse and feed twice a day now so my nitrates are at 2 for the last few weeks and my corals look better than ever. More colorful and are finally growing. So I guees I will target 2-5. I'm adding another fish so my total will be 10 so I will have a lot fish now so I will have to keep up with water changes, skimming etc.

 

[StrategicReef]

Mark, how do you get to 10ppm without putting PO4 through the roof?

I know when my tank hits undetectable nitrates my corals become more pale. In my BB system it is difficult to keep nitrates up, though. What can I feed to keep them up without PO4?

I feed more fish food, obviously this include PO4 but also use amino acid that up just N not PO4. If you feel adventurous you might have read people dosing nitrate powder. I run GFO in a bag to curb the PO4 also. I have been able to increase N to about 2ppm now. The purple tip of my valida is starting to come back. I actually want a little algae to constantly grow on rocks because it seems the best that way and provide food for the herbvious animals.

LiveAquria says their nitrate is 0 though but they have deep colored frags, With a bit of algae on frag plugs. Not sure what their secret is.

 

[mpoletti]

Mark, how do you get to 10ppm without putting PO4 through the roof?

I know when my tank hits undetectable nitrates my corals become more pale. In my BB system it is difficult to keep nitrates up, though. What can I feed to keep them up without PO4?

I just rinse my food and use gfo. My po4 is usually around .05 (hanna)

 

[cloakerpoked]

LiveAquria says their nitrate is 0 though but they have deep colored frags, With a bit of algae on frag plugs. Not sure what their secret is.

A good supplier could be the start of things for them.

 

[cato]

I think it also depends on what colors you are shooting for.

Could you please elaborate more on this? ^^^ Thanks

 

[mpoletti]

Could you please elaborate more on this? ^^^ Thanks

Some people like full rich deep colors and some like the paler colors. The same coral in two systems can have different colors based on the nutrient levels. I prefer the deep brilliant saturated colors myself. HTH

 

[cato]

Some people like full rich deep colors and some like the paler colors. The same coral in two systems can have different colors based on the nutrient levels. I prefer the deep brilliant saturated colors myself. HTH

Yep me too. Thanks. What are most using to test for it? My Salifert kit was undetectable.

 

[Denadai]

I prefer undetectable

 

[Deputy1234]

I prefer undetectable

Same here. My SPS seem to have taken off once I reached a undetectable level. Once you reach a undetectable level you need to feed the SPS. I am dosing amino acids and zeovit coral vitalizer. Growth has taken off and the colors are vibrant.

 

[StrategicReef]

That kind of funny I work so hard to get nitrate to 0 then I have to feed all kinds of little bottles of stuff because the SPS look really pale, when keeping the nitrate around 2-5ppm does the same thing for better growth and color.

 

[gary faulkner]

That kind of funny I work so hard to get nitrate to 0 then I have to feed all kinds of little bottles of stuff because the SPS look really pale, when keeping the nitrate around 2-5ppm does the same thing for better growth and color.

Forgive the analogy butt.... They make building construction tighter and tighter so as to make them more energy efficient (less air infiltration) to save money on heating and cooling but then they are so tight that they have to introduce air from outside to combat sick building syndrome. Kind of like the dog chasing his tail or as they say "you're damned if you do and damned if you don't"

Like I said, please forgive the analogy........... and the puns.