Who Feeds Their SPS?
- Thread starter LBCBJ
- Start date
Net uptake of dissolved free amino acids by four scleractinian corals.
M. Drew Ferrier
Coral Reefs
Volume 10, Number 4, December 1991
Abstract
High pressure liquid chromatography was employed to provide the first definitive proof of the net uptake of dissolved free amino acids (DFFA) at nanomolar levels by four scleractinian corals (Montastrea annularis, Madracis mirabilis, Agaricia fragilìs, and Favia fragum). During 2 h incubations all species exhibited simultaneous net uptake of eight amino acids. For M. annularis and F. fragum uptake of some dissolved amino acids occurred at concentrations lower than those found in reef waters. Microbial activity or adsorption of DFAA to exposed coral skeletons during these experiments did not appear to be important. Although it seems unlikely that DFAA uptake can provide a significant energy source for corals under ambient condìtions, it may be important in the acquisition and retention of nitrogen by these animals.
:thumbsup:
M. Drew Ferrier
Coral Reefs
Volume 10, Number 4, December 1991
Abstract
High pressure liquid chromatography was employed to provide the first definitive proof of the net uptake of dissolved free amino acids (DFFA) at nanomolar levels by four scleractinian corals (Montastrea annularis, Madracis mirabilis, Agaricia fragilìs, and Favia fragum). During 2 h incubations all species exhibited simultaneous net uptake of eight amino acids. For M. annularis and F. fragum uptake of some dissolved amino acids occurred at concentrations lower than those found in reef waters. Microbial activity or adsorption of DFAA to exposed coral skeletons during these experiments did not appear to be important. Although it seems unlikely that DFAA uptake can provide a significant energy source for corals under ambient condìtions, it may be important in the acquisition and retention of nitrogen by these animals.
:thumbsup:
LBCBJ
New member
Mesocosm - You should PM that to RichConley 
Clams use them also as found in this research report....
http://www.reef.edu.au/ohg/lit1.htm
Dr. Hoegh-Guldburg has some very detailed, yet intresting reports. They are some of the most thorough I have found. Good reads
Clams use them also as found in this research report....
http://www.reef.edu.au/ohg/lit1.htm
Dr. Hoegh-Guldburg has some very detailed, yet intresting reports. They are some of the most thorough I have found. Good reads
Last edited:
DitchPlains2
In Memoriam
I feed
I feed
I feed, ORA GLOW, FREEZE DRIED CYClO, PRIME REEF, HIKARI ANGEL FOOD, ROTIFERS, FROZEN MYSIS, BLUE ZOO FOOD(Contains oyster eggs, whole cockel, etc. tons of smaller food sources). All of these items feed my fish, which in turn poop like crazy and that hopefully feeds my SPS. Either way, what was said earlier is key, clean clear water, undectable nitrates, and good orp, should keep things healthy.
Cheers
David
I feed
I feed, ORA GLOW, FREEZE DRIED CYClO, PRIME REEF, HIKARI ANGEL FOOD, ROTIFERS, FROZEN MYSIS, BLUE ZOO FOOD(Contains oyster eggs, whole cockel, etc. tons of smaller food sources). All of these items feed my fish, which in turn poop like crazy and that hopefully feeds my SPS. Either way, what was said earlier is key, clean clear water, undectable nitrates, and good orp, should keep things healthy.
Cheers
David
Not so fast ... there are some very interesting questions as to what exactly is happening to dissolved free amino acids as they encounter the bacteria associated with coral tissue and mucus nets during the process of "uptake". Even so, it seems pretty clear that corals do possess the capacity to directly uptake amino acids. Another example from the literature ...<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7711538#post7711538 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LBCBJ
Mesocosm - You should PM that to RichConley
Availability of two forms of dissolved nitrogen to the coral Pocillopora damicornis and its symbiotic zooxanthellae.
O. Hoegh-Guldberg and J. Williamson
Marine Biology
Volume 133, Number 3, April 1999
Abstract
The relative contribution of dissolved nitrogen (ammonium and dissolved free amino acids DFAAs) to the nitrogen budget of the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis was assessed for colonies growing on control and ammonium-enriched reefs at One Tree Island (southern Great Barrier Reef) during the ENCORE (Enrichment of Nutrient on Coral Reef; 1993 to 1996) project. P. damicornis acquired ammonium at rates of between 5.1 and 91.8 nmol N cmm2 hm1 which were not affected by nutrient treatment except in the case of one morph. In this case, uptake rates decreased from 80.5 to 42.8 nmol cmm2 hm1 (P < 0.05) on exposure to elevated ammonium over 12 mo. The presence or absence of light during measurement did not influence the uptake of ammonium ions. Nitrogen budgets revealed that the uptake of ammonium from concentrations of 0.11 to 0.13 wM could completely satisfy the demand of growing P. damicornis for new nitrogen. P. damicornis also took up DFAAs at rates ranging from 4.9 to 9.8 nmol N cmm2 hm1. These rates were higher in the dark than in the light (9.0 vs 5.1 nmol mm2 hm1, P < 0.001). Uptake rates were highest for the amino acids serine, arginine and alanine, and lowest for tyrosine. DFAA concentrations within the ENCORE microatolls that received ammonium were undetectable, whereas they ranged up to 100 nM within the control microatolls. The contribution of DFAAs to the nitrogen budget of P. damicornis constituted only a small fraction of the nitrogen potentially contributed by ammonium under field conditions. Even at the highest field concentrations measured during this study, DFAAs could contribute only 11.3% of the nitrogen demand of P.damicornis. This contribution, however, may be an important source of nitrogen when other sources such as ammonium are scarce or during periods when high concentrations of DFAAs become sporadically available (e.g. cell breakage during fish-grazing).
:thumbsup:
DarkXerox
New member
Hmm none of those studies say anything about the Acropora genus though. I assume that they do as well, but I'm gonna do a little pubmed search when I have some time to see if there is any primary literature.
That article only says that they contribute to only 11.3% of the coral's nitrogen demand also. Plus the location concentrations that they measured were in the NANOmolar (10^-9 molarity) level. Now unless people are dosing with pipettemen, I don't see how you could accurately dose these AA's.
I would assume that the corals obtain enough from fish waste since it is high in NH3 and if there are any proteins present--amino acids.
Also one last question, do sps corals harbor any sort of nitrogen fixing bacteria? I found this, but it is for montastrea: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/305/5686/997
That article only says that they contribute to only 11.3% of the coral's nitrogen demand also. Plus the location concentrations that they measured were in the NANOmolar (10^-9 molarity) level. Now unless people are dosing with pipettemen, I don't see how you could accurately dose these AA's.
I would assume that the corals obtain enough from fish waste since it is high in NH3 and if there are any proteins present--amino acids.
Also one last question, do sps corals harbor any sort of nitrogen fixing bacteria? I found this, but it is for montastrea: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/305/5686/997
RichConley
New member
The issue with that article is it doesnt go into mechanisms. There was about a 10 page amino acid thread a while ago. I'll look for it.
Basically, corals uptake nitrogen, and a couple of other things. If they uptake an amino acid, they break it down into nitrogen and a couple of other things. Theres no benefit to them.They dont absorb them as a whole. They actually use less energy uptaking nitrate.
Basically, corals uptake nitrogen, and a couple of other things. If they uptake an amino acid, they break it down into nitrogen and a couple of other things. Theres no benefit to them.They dont absorb them as a whole. They actually use less energy uptaking nitrate.
Shawnts106
New member
LOL, your funny!
While they "may not be" nessessary, they help QUITE the bit! But if you want to be "cheap" as some would call it...
Go ahead and rely on WC's to help you out with SPS, but remember you will end up spending FARRRRRR MORE in salt than you would if you where to just by a decent skimmer.
Not to change the subject... or anything.
Shawnts106
New member
uh.. OOOkkkk,
spineshank385
New member
i skim and do weekly water changes.....
jay24k
Active member
IMO skimmers do help you where you don't have to do as much water changes. I think for stability, I say buy whatever makes it the easiest. I personally don't see why you would build a house with your bare hands instead of tools. However on the flip side, I can see where some "might" find it enjoyable.
I don't add any trace elements or other stuff and my sps grow very quickly. I've put a couple growth threads. I had a single 3 to 4" blue tort grow to about 8 to 9 inches high and sprout over 20 branches around 5 to 6 each since november.
I personally think, good clean water, enough nutrients to keep them happy (22 fish add nutrients in my tank
) and a GOOD way to export any of the bad stuff can keep a tank very happy.
My skimmer isn't even rated according to many on here to my tank. I use an ASM G3 which IMO does very well on my tank. I use chaeto and Xenia (rumored to be an exporter) that is on my glass growing.
I thought about trying other additions but honestly until I see tried results from others, I'll continue what I'm doing. I haven't done a water change in over 2 months due to me being busy but I usually do it every 2 weeks. The funny thing is, my corals have been growing faster it appears.
I don't add any trace elements or other stuff and my sps grow very quickly. I've put a couple growth threads. I had a single 3 to 4" blue tort grow to about 8 to 9 inches high and sprout over 20 branches around 5 to 6 each since november.
I personally think, good clean water, enough nutrients to keep them happy (22 fish add nutrients in my tank
) and a GOOD way to export any of the bad stuff can keep a tank very happy.My skimmer isn't even rated according to many on here to my tank. I use an ASM G3 which IMO does very well on my tank. I use chaeto and Xenia (rumored to be an exporter) that is on my glass growing.
I thought about trying other additions but honestly until I see tried results from others, I'll continue what I'm doing. I haven't done a water change in over 2 months due to me being busy but I usually do it every 2 weeks. The funny thing is, my corals have been growing faster it appears.
salt aye-ch-too-oh
New member
I feed mines steaks.
Shawnts106
New member
Yes, I am QUITE aware of this, however, as others have stated above... they help, and lessen the frequency of them.
my original point... again.
Fillet Minyon Corall L'Yum Yum
that is the best brand, dont you agree!!!
