nitrogen and phosphorus

[Alitoo_81]

hi is inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus the same nitrate and phosphate that we test in our tanks?? thank u

 

[HighlandReefer]

Yep.

There are test kits that determine total P which include the organic phosphorous amount and phosphate. These are not commonly used in the hobby.

 

[Alitoo_81]

that means that corals obsorb nitrats and phosphates from water right?

 

[HighlandReefer]

Coral will take up nitrate and phosphate from the water.

Actually it is more involved than just this simple statement since coral utilize dinos and bacteria (symbionts) to provide nutrients. These symbionts can utilize organic forms especially bacteria which complicates matters.

 

[Alitoo_81]

thank you

 

[HighlandReefer]

You're welcome.

 

[bertoni]

Most of the inorganic nitrogen likely is in nitrate, but some is in nitrite and there might be other forms. Phosphorus might exist in other forms, too, I suppose.