Notice any slower growth? I just finally got my no3 into double digits! I need more fish haha! No3 is currently 12.5 and my po4 is 0.107. I did loose some color on my acros “I’m guessing elevated po4” but growth has started to take off since getting my no3 above 4-5, my shortcake browned out but is coming back! Couple other no namers browned out on me also but coming back around.
I have documented here, on a couple threads, and will be funneling these anecdotal observations/theories there, so the message stays consistent.
I believe now, more than ever, that these plant/animal hybrids can generally, within reason, thrive in most tested parameters for N03/P04.
Simple, why would the color change, or growth? They simply access whatever is available, large portions(higher nutrients), are simply insurance of presence. This makes it a heck of a lot easier than a lean diet and can be risky, especially for newer systems. They just lack the buffering capacity that a mature microbiome provides.
So, my idea for color/growth/health 8s rendered to simplicity in just maintaining 2 buckets.
Biology and Chemistry.
When the microbiome matures, and becomes vast, it's opening gateways for bacteria diversity, the animal aspects are given ample opportunities to feed via polyps, likely on bacteria, which is full of nutrients, P04 seems to be important for photosynthetic process.
The Chemistry aspects act as the gatekeeper to Biology, so left unchecked, and not treated similarly to nutrient availability, begins an imbalance. I believe this explains why unsightly algae doesn't persist, despite the higher nutrient environment.
So, my answer is not really, growth, specifically on growing corals, is stable, and consistent. When we figure out why certain corals just never take off, then we can learn. If you have corals not laying vase, or putting out tips, it is likely suffering from an unrelated issue. Pest, bacterial, bad DNA, unhealthy grow conditions, and sometimes shipping. These coral are usually moved to my prop tank, here I use lugols to try and remedy "sick" or Unhealthy corals through dipping. Generally speaking, I now waste little time on the sick and unhealthy, and move on...
My take
