Nitrates vs phosphates for algae growth

[dvgyfresh]

look up the red field ratio , that’s why I suggested dosing nitrate. Ime I only got bad algae / undesirables when my ratio of N-P was less than 10x-1. When the uptake of nitrate is not favored to phosphate I think we are letting bad bacteria take hold

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

look up the red field ratio , that’s why I suggested dosing nitrate. Ime I only got bad algae / undesirables when my ratio of N-P was less than 10x-1. When the uptake of nitrate is not favored to phosphate I think we are letting bad bacteria take hold

FWIW, I don't believe the Redfield or any other ratio is the best way to think of nutrients.

Ratios can be can be terribly misleading, and are best ignored. If one is very low, is it better to have the other very low? What about very high?

IMO, one can NEVER go wrong in thinking about the actual values of the nutrients.