Snoopdog
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Just like the question says. If my nitrate is running between 5-10ppm what is an ideal phosphate reading? I am struggling still to even keep my phosphate at .03 testing with my salifert kit.
Ideal phosphate for Nitrate around the 5ppm range?
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My p04 runs .02-.04
No3 < 5.
I have had these levels for 14 months since startup.
Last test, I only test monthly for the 2, po4 was 0.09 and no3 10.
I think this was from feeding Hikari pellets for a few days before the test. I typically feed frozen.
For my tank I can say the colors look better at the higher levels.
I targeted po4 .02-.04 and no3 <5 from startup.
Any where from .02 to.1 should be fine, imo
No3 < 5.
I have had these levels for 14 months since startup.
Last test, I only test monthly for the 2, po4 was 0.09 and no3 10.
I think this was from feeding Hikari pellets for a few days before the test. I typically feed frozen.
For my tank I can say the colors look better at the higher levels.
I targeted po4 .02-.04 and no3 <5 from startup.
Any where from .02 to.1 should be fine, imo
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Snoopdog
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What kind of test kit are you using if you do not mind answering?
X-37B
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Both Hanna ulr and regular for po4.
Salifert and Nyos for no3.
I like Nyos better than salifert.
Its easier to see colors.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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I recommend around 0.03 ppm as a fine target.
What does struggling mean? Are you dosing phosphate? have you tried feeding more?
Hallowhead
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I'm curious to know what you mean by feeding more. I have 2 clowns 2 Cardinals and 1 orchid dotty in my 30 gallon AIO and I feed maybe 1/4 to 1/2 cube of frozen food a day.. should I be feeding a whole cube? Half a cube ?
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Yes, feeding twice as much and seeing what happens in a fine start, even if the fish may not eat it all.
ScottR
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More food = more nutrients.
Hallowhead
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Interesting... I've always thought half a cube was too much.. I'll try a cube in my main tank and half a cube in my frag tank for 3 fish.. maybe I can stop dosing so much phosphate and nitrate.Yes, feeding twice as much and seeing what happens in a fine start, even if the fish may not eat it all.
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Snoopdog
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ScottR
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You should test regularly and log your readings. Every tank is different and everyone’s husbandry is different. Just like when dosing, you want to test regularly to make sure you’re dosing to meet your target. Feeding can be looked at as dosing too.
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Snoopdog
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I do log regularly, all readings go into Apex Fusion.
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Are you dealing with any problems that are related to low nutrients?
I am, and my goal is NO3 of 5-10 and PO4 of 0.05 - 0.1. If I was not dealing with problem caused by low nutrients, my goal would be a little lower, but always keeping NO3 and PO4 above 0.
I like the hanna tester to test PO4. If I see a dusting of algae on the glass and I get a low PO4 result, I don't worry too much, but if glass is sparkling clean for a week and PO4 is low, not a good sign for me.
I am, and my goal is NO3 of 5-10 and PO4 of 0.05 - 0.1. If I was not dealing with problem caused by low nutrients, my goal would be a little lower, but always keeping NO3 and PO4 above 0.
I like the hanna tester to test PO4. If I see a dusting of algae on the glass and I get a low PO4 result, I don't worry too much, but if glass is sparkling clean for a week and PO4 is low, not a good sign for me.
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With n03 5-10 your fine.
I would not worry about po4 and stop dosing it as long as the tank looks good.
I dosed po4 for a while and just stopped as my tank looked good at .02 with no issues.
Dont worry so much about the numbers if you are having no issues.
It would be better to try some, I like Hikari brand pellets, than to dose po4, imo.
Fish get fed and po4 will come up in time.
Your fish will like the extra food too.
I would not worry about po4 and stop dosing it as long as the tank looks good.
I dosed po4 for a while and just stopped as my tank looked good at .02 with no issues.
Dont worry so much about the numbers if you are having no issues.
It would be better to try some, I like Hikari brand pellets, than to dose po4, imo.
Fish get fed and po4 will come up in time.
Your fish will like the extra food too.
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Well said!
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Snoopdog
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I had a dinoflagellate problem that is now gone, then had a breakout with cyano, but have that now vacated to the sump only. Now I am getting a dusting of brown algae.
Hallowhead
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Snoopdog
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Oh I completely agree. But like anything else, I am looking for information on anything. It is really important to be able to see the signs and be able to read your tank and what is going on.
