Nutrient poor still?

[buffalo123]

Is Nutrient poor still a target for reef aquariums or are we now looking to move away from nutrient poor systems in order to feed corals,fish etc.

 

[serpentman]

I would say compared to "back in the day" when low to virtually no nutrients was the target, today's standard is to achieve a suitable balance of still relatively low but with enough available to sustain and promote growth.

Personally, I try to achieve NO3 at 2-5ppm while keeping PO4 down and remove as many DOC's as possible via skimming.

 

[unclejed2]

I would say compared to "back in the day" when low to virtually no nutrients was the target, today's standard is to achieve a suitable balance of still relatively low but with enough available to sustain and promote growth.

Personally, I try to achieve NO3 at 2-5ppm while keeping PO4 down and remove as many DOC's as possible via skimming.

Agreed. Also, the adding of phytoplankton and other food is required when nutrients are nil.

 

[Masterofnonsense]

I think nutrient poor is still a goal. It is far easier to add nutrients than to get rid of them. If you find that your tank is lacking in nutrients you are in the enviable position of getting to add more fish, and feed them more.

 

[reefgeezer]

I tried the UNLS thing, and while I did manage to get to zeros, I didn't like the daily maintenance requirements and really didn't see much difference from my 2-3 ppm nitrate/<.03 ppm phosphate system. I'm back to fuge and skimmer.

 

[Alex T.]

+1 with Serpentman. Been there done that with ULNS. Much easier to keep a slightly "dirty" sps tank and attain beautiful coloration that way. Just dose more fish poop.

 

[buffalo123]

In essence we are not aiming for Zero, but a manageable balance to keep livestock happy ,colored and growing.