PO4/NO3 too low?

[simpp88]

I have a tank with some LPS and some zoas/palys and would like to increase the amount of LPS and maybe even add in a couple montipora, but I keep hearing that your your water can be too "clean." I have a bit of algae and am putting on a GFO reactor soon. I was also thinking of using biopellets for nitrates. However, will this negatively impact the LPS? Can the NO3/PO4 be too low?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[sponger0]

Yes your nutrients can be too low especially with LPS. They will do better with a little more nutrients.

 

[Stryk9]

Some corals like immaculate water and some like water with a higher nutrient level. I think most corals should be fine in really clean water but I've noticed some corals like acans and brains get a little puffier and look nicer with a little bit of nitrate.

 

[MechEng99]

I've kept my nitrates at 0 and phosphates at 0.03 for the past 6 years since I have SPS-dominant tanks with no detriment to my LPS. However, I do make sure to target feed them about once a week.

 

[chrisfont23]

I keep my Nitrates around 20 ppm and my zoanthids are growing like weeds.