Ok, need some help with PO4 and NO3

[Russ265]

Lol the only number I chase is zero!
hate that number!
thanks again Russ! A true value to R2R

just giving my experiences. and how a "true" 0 gave me a lifeless tank.

i just target nitrates 2-3ppm and po4 below .06 ppm

things just seem happy there

no need for the scientific stuff unless you are truly interested

 

[redfishbluefish]

Oh gosh too much for my old brain in one day!!
My po4 is .018
So 16 times for no3

Just to clarify....and as said, don't chase numbers....the ratio of 16:1 is actually nitrogen to phosphorus, not nitrate to phosphate. Now where's my calculator.

 

[twilliard]

Ok guys I am not by far a number chaser!
I stated 0 nitrates is what I am wanting to correct.

If I were to chase numbers it would cost a fortune as all my testing is done through Triton labs EXCEPT for no3

 

[Russ265]

Just to clarify....and as said, don't chase numbers....the ratio of 16:1 is actually nitrogen to phosphorus, not nitrate to phosphate. Now where's my calculator.

for the sake of the hobby lets not confuse anyone lol. I can see it now....

"I have a nitrate kit.... but where can i purchase a nitrogen one?"

ahhh good times

 

[Cment]

Is the flow in the tank weak or strong? I'm no expert but your sandbed looks an odd amount. If your not going dsb (4" or more) I think you want an inch or less so as not to trap garbage in it without the proper organisms to cycle it. Did you transfer the sand or start fresh?

I have a maxspect gyre 130 set at 4 and its some serious flow. I used new sand and is only about an 1"-1.5" deep in other places that the current has moved it to. I blow or the rocks and stir the sand up durning weekly WC

 

[redfishbluefish]

"I have a nitrate kit.... but where can i purchase a nitrogen one?"

Well it's your lucky day. I just so happen to have a nitrogen test kit for sale!.....but it's going to cost you.

Don't want to get overly technical, but the Redfield ratios we are talking about were based on elemental carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in phytoplankton. You'll need to do the math to calculate the ratios of nitrates to phosphates if you want the actual numbers. And here's the kicker, Macro algae has a different ratio. But again, just knowing that it's a bunch of nitrogen (nitrates) to a pinch of phosphorus (phosphate) is all you need to know.

 

[Russ265]

Well it's your lucky day. I just so happen to have a nitrogen test kit for sale!.....but it's going to cost you.

Don't want to get overly technical, but the Redfield ratios we are talking about were based on elemental carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in phytoplankton. You'll need to do the math to calculate the ratios of nitrates to phosphates if you want the actual numbers. And here's the kicker, Macro algae has a different ratio. But again, just knowing that it's a bunch of nitrogen (nitrates) to a pinch of phosphorus (phosphate) is all you need to know.

there are variations of the redfield ratio but they ultimately come to the same conclusion imo. i could have sworn i read that all photosynthetic organisms follow the 16:1. including dinoflagelletes like symbiodinium.

either way, ill have to find that article somewhere.

as far as the macro algae is concerned, id love to see that article.

thanks

 

[twilliard]

Ya would hate to mess up my triton balance!!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Really didn't want to go down this path, but HERE is but one article showing the N to P ratio of Macroalgae at 30:1.

Again, the important thing for us to know is simply that both are needed, where you need a lot more nitrogen (nitrates), and a pinch of phosphorus (phosphates). Numbers aren't important.

 

[Russ265]

Really didn't want to go down this path, but HERE is but one article showing the N to P ratio of Macroalgae at 30:1.

Again, the important thing for us to know is simply that both are needed, where you need a lot more nitrogen (nitrates), and a pinch of phosphorus (phosphates). Numbers aren't important.

i agree. the pinch of po4 with more n03 has worked for me quite well.

thanks for the article

 

[Russ265]

so i read the article and it is applied to only benthic macroalgae. not exactly where our light loving friends live.

it is also known that there are higher concentrations of c/n/p at greater depths and that they recirculate back up to replenish those nutrients.

regardless of the numbers, it is a cool find though.

i personally dont strive for an exact 16:1 anyway. generally 2-5 ppm nitrate and traceable po4 and im good. (long as po4 is the limiting nutrient)

 

[Wiz]

I had a nuisance algae break out when I installed my 30g dsb fuge as well. Ill bet its just the new sand. All I added was sand and tank. The water was mixed into my full 50gal system making it 70 gals roughly. And the rock and macros were transfered from my old fuge in the sump. So sand and glass were the only new factor. Lasted about a month to 6weeks. All is well now though. Just curious, what type of sand?