PO4

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If nitrate is also very low, many people have been successful getting pale corals in a ULNS tank to look better by feeding amino acids or other coral specific foods to replace the lost nutrition.

But if both are low, more fish food is likely the easiest way to increase nutrients. One can certainly dose phosphate itself, possibly using a product like Seachem Discus Buffer.

 

[Mattrg02]

If nitrate is also very low, many people have been successful getting pale corals in a ULNS tank to look better by feeding amino acids or other coral specific foods to replace the lost nutrition.

But if both are low, more fish food is likely the easiest way to increase nutrients. One can certainly dose phosphate itself, possibly using a product like Seachem Discus Buffer.

Since I started dosing potassium nitrate, I found some corals have begun getting some color back.

Seeing as nitrates aren't as dangerous as phosphates, what is a good way to tell that we need more phosphates?

 

[rygh]

I agree with you 100%
That's why I say "no way" when people say they have nothing for po4
Well unless they never feed and take out 100% of the dying organics

I found it odd I had to actually dose no3! Who does that lol

I add Potassium Nitrate also. I tend not to tell anyone usually. They look at me funny.
I have an algae scrubber, and it tends to wipe out Nitrates, but leave some Phosphates, leading to Cyano problems.
(Redfield ratio issue)
Adding Nitrates is easier than tons of GFO.

 

[Mattrg02]

I add Potassium Nitrate also. I tend not to tell anyone usually. They look at me funny.
I have an algae scrubber, and it tends to wipe out Nitrates, but leave some Phosphates, leading to Cyano problems.
(Redfield ratio issue)
Adding Nitrates is easier than tons of GFO.

I felt ridiculous adding nitrates, but a few weeks in, I saw results.

 

[chefjpaul]

Do you guys test the potassium change as well?

I'm all for dosing NO3, but just curious as to see if those using potassium nitrate have logged both?

 

[Mattrg02]

Do you guys test the potassium change as well?

I'm all for dosing NO3, but just curious as to see if those using potassium nitrate have logged both?

From what I read, the potassium addition isn't significant enough to worry.

 

[chefjpaul]

From what I read, the potassium addition isn't significant enough to worry.

Yeah, me too. Just curious if anyone has tested increase relation to color enhancement.

Also- I'm slightly deficient in both now.

 

[twilliard]

I would have to send another triton test off to see. I want to wait 30 days before I do that though.
I keep a running log of the tests

 

[Mattrg02]

I would have to send another triton test off to see. I want to wait 30 days before I do that though.
I keep a running log of the tests

I'd be very interested in your results. I may go for a test to see what's in my tank.