Water Parameter Question

[bbowler1]

I've been used to hearing that for corals in general and especially SPS, that you need to have as close to zero on Phosphates, nitrates and then have everything else be perfect as well.

Is this true, I have seen some threads that seem to say that a little of each is good for their health.

 

[ClownsRCoo]

I think there is a debate for both ways. There are lots of people who have had success keeping everything at 0 or as close as they can, and other who purposly keep things like phosphate and nitrates a little higher than 0 but do not let them get out of hand. I think the accepted reasoning for this is that corals can benefit to a certain extent from having at least a detectable amount of phosphates for food and overall health but again it shouldnt be too high. If you run everything at 0 like I do then the accepted practice is to just feed more often so that you make sure you corals have a lot of food for growth and color.

 

[nvladik]

What you are going to get is the same replies from the other threads you saw, some will say yes some will say no. I would suggest search the forum, read the replies, draw conclusions for yourself by trial and error.

 

[bbowler1]

Thx, do you target feed the SPS or do a dump in of the phyto and or coral snow and let the flow take it around?

 

[ClownsRCoo]

I tried target feeding for a while but honestly it seems impossible to tell if they are even feeding on it or not. What I do now is have my Apex feed pellets in the morning and mid day and i have a squirt bottle that i mix mysis shrimp and add a lot of different coral foods too that i feed the tank every night. So while i feed my fish im also putting food into the tank for the corals.

 

[Dugless]

I'd suggest no supplemental coral foods at the start. These products can create just as many problems as the benefits promised.

 

[Bill Nye]

I'd suggest no supplemental coral foods at the start. These products can create just as many problems as the benefits promised.

+1

Coral foods and aa are only useful in ulns. My tank runs undetectable nitrates and phosphates so I started adding aa. My coral has improved but still a little pale so I just started feeding oyster feast twice a week. The main thing is go slow, add one new supplement at a time and test frequently.