Phosphate / Nitrates / Algae

plc001 · Mar 30, 2021

Hello All,

I have a 40b that its on its 7 month. My nitrates and phosphates were zero so I started trying to increase.

Now I have my phosphate at .05-.07ppm and nitrates are just at 1 or at best 1.5, not 3 using Nyos test.

My plan was to try to get to nitrates 5-10 and phosphates .03 - .06 but I'm staring to get green hair Algae.

URRG, so not sure what to do, please advice. Thanks.

fishface NJ · Mar 30, 2021

following along. I am in the same boat as you. 40b tank with 40b sump. Phos .05 and NYOS Nitrate 1. Every time I dose I get red algae on the sand.

Nigel35 · Mar 30, 2021

Best advice for your tank is to have nitrates and phosphates at a 100 to 1 ratio. Meaning if your nitrates are 10 your phosphate should be .1 . That way you limit algae growth and allow for coral growth as well. I would definitely increase your nitrate levels to get to that ratio.