Cleanest way to add NO3/PO4

[ReeferMaddness843]

Hey guys n gals. So I'm having an issue of inability to raise my nutrience and am looking for a "clean" way to do so that I can control relatively easily. I don't want to just dump food in as that just seems messy to me. Are there any recommendations on ways to increase these elements without wreaking havoc in my tank?
I do have a low bioload and tons of rock as well as a non macro fuge and skimmer. So my export is pretty high. I have also gone back to my 5 gal weekly changes (100gal system at 20% monthly) to replinish my trace elements as suggested here (corals do look a little happier, which at time didn't think they could, but they do)
Should I:
A) Feed more heavily. Currently 1 cube mysis, dime to nickle size of Reef frenzy daily, switch between amino (Red Sea reef energy every couple of days) and a slurry of reef cafe (nightly).
B) cut skimmer at times
C) dose for no3/po4? If so what do I dose?
D) add more fish for bioload?
E) open for any suggestions

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

turn off skimmer, slow water changes, add food variety to the tank diet.
how high is your coral bioload?

if the corals are happy and the fish are happy, why change things?

 

[Reeferdood]

if the corals are happy and the fish are happy, why change things?

Agreed...

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hey guys n gals. So I'm having an issue of inability to raise my nutrience and am looking for a "clean" way to do so that I can control relatively easily. I don't want to just dump food in as that just seems messy to me. Are there any recommendations on ways to increase these elements without wreaking havoc in my tank?
I do have a low bioload and tons of rock as well as a non macro fuge and skimmer. So my export is pretty high. I have also gone back to my 5 gal weekly changes (100gal system at 20% monthly) to replinish my trace elements as suggested here (corals do look a little happier, which at time didn't think they could, but they do)
Should I:
A) Feed more heavily. Currently 1 cube mysis, dime to nickle size of Reef frenzy daily, switch between amino (Red Sea reef energy every couple of days) and a slurry of reef cafe (nightly).
B) cut skimmer at times
C) dose for no3/po4? If so what do I dose?
D) add more fish for bioload?
E) open for any suggestions

Food grade sodium or potassium phosphate, and sodium nitrate work.

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swan...=80480685127&gclid=CK2k55iGtc8CFYVkhgodIvcHtA

https://www.etsy.com/listing/222604...9640c50ce512&gclid=CJ3Qh4OGtc8CFYwkhgodNHAC0w

https://www.etsy.com/listing/222595...9640c50ce512&gclid=CPn98o-Gtc8CFYgmhgodAl8B1g

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

Everything is undetectable with no algae growth and was just curious on the topic and if there was a "clean" way to add. I haven't seen any real demise or necessity to add at the moment, just want to be prepared if I start to see things slowing or looking rough. Like to ask what to do in advance rather than wait till too late and feel pressured. Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

turn off skimmer, slow water changes, add food variety to the tank diet.
how high is your coral bioload?

if the corals are happy and the fish are happy, why change things?

Unsure of actual coral bioload, but it does house a pretty decent stock of corals to start.

 

[a6walter1]

I would recommend just feeding a large variety of food. Things like mysis, krill, rotifers, copepods can really add some good nutrients to the tank. Also consider some dry coral food as well, I have used Reef Chili and the corals love it.

I know you said that feeding more seems "dirty" but i'm guessing you wont notice any ill effects.

 

[dgrigor02]

May I ask what methods/tests are you using to determine that phosphate/nitrates are undetectable. Could be you have detectable levels enough to keep things happy and just your tests are not accurate enough to detect low amounts.


I run a ATS, no skimmer, and low water changes. I personally adjust food amounts. I'd rather feed my fish more ( I don't broadcast feed corals ) and keep them fat than just dump in additives.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

All Salifert kits

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I realize the photo of the NO3 test shows wrong testing vial (which I have gone back and replaced with my old kits Proper NO3 vial, same results after a timed 3:00)

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I will say, my toadstool leather seems to hesitate with PE, was not an issue when maintaining solid 5 NO3, that has been the ONLY negative effect I have seen so far. Just preparing for future should I need to adapt and increase.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

People do dose either nitrate or phosphate. Not many dose both at the same time, but there would be nothing wrong with it.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

Thank you! Is it true that elevating NO3, if done manually, may in turn reduce the PO4? Something I've heard but never put much thought or wonder in until now.

People do dose either nitrate or phosphate. Not many dose both at the same time, but there would be nothing wrong with it.