Hello,
I am not trying to start any type of debate, but the co-owner of a popular European brand additives and salts, has formulated their products around NSW values. That said, if this were simply a guy in a suit, behind a desk, using data and research to guide his company, then I would be rather skeptical. However, he actually dives more than he is in the office, on many reefs around the world, taking photos of experiences, and of course sharing them accordingly. Incidentally, they have a farm and tremendous display that rivals some of the nicest tanks I have seen, their products are used here for observation and testing. These photos, are in most cases used in their marketing logos. I think much more research needs to go into this, but I will just say that it would be hard to use a single test to determine a complete result. I would be more interested in seeing how these levels fluctuate in real time, that to me would help us further advance this hobby.
Now,
There is no doubt that to date, we have evidence in our aquariums that support both arguments. There are several tanks that are not displayed on this forum that would rebut the argument that ULNS are starving corals. Running ULNS is a totally different beast than the every day aquarium, it is hands on and requires attention to detail, daily maintenance and dosing, increased bio load and feedings, but more importantly observation. My friend, this is not for everyone, and I will tell you that I love the premise of it, but in my current setup, I opted for more live rock, POWERFUL skimming, and heavy frozen feeding. I am quite ULNS at this point, and plan to run my system that way. Also, I use a MH 250 for 6 hours a day, with a 145 watt LED panel, and 160 watt LED panel on either side.
I saw Chris from ACI interiview last night, and he further concluded a suspicion I have had for a few years regarding nutrients associated to light. His indication was that he sees several species of corals thrive in low par scenarios, showing insane coloration and growth, but his correlates in to the statement that nutrients are higher, coincidence? He also uses MH, but only 4 hours a day, claiming 6500k Iwasaki being #1 choice for growth. Known the guy for years, back when he owned a popular shop in Tampa, been in the game for a long time.
So, there really is not an argument, together we can help guide hobbyists in the right direction, but in the right direction for "them". I will not argue any statement about higher nutrients than what we have been indoctrinated to believe. That goes for a lot more than reefing
Many years ago, folks here in the states bashed me for running t5's, on another reef site, lol, until the pics. Heck, I was using KZ bulbs, to boot. So, there are too many ways to light, too many ways to filter, too many ways to simply run our tanks. I have seen your pics, and love the look of your corals, keep up the great work!
