Poll: Do You See A Correlation Between Alkalinity, Nutrients, and Growth?

[MrNYCeGuy]

Ever since I started keeping SPS corals I have read that it is ideal to maintain a level of alkalinity between 8 - 12 dKH. However, I have read a number of antidotal accounts that state there is a link between the amount of nutrients (nitrate NO3 and phosphate PO4...in particular nitrates) and the growth and health of corals. The idea being proposed is that the nutrient levels in your tank should somewhat correspond with the level of alkalinity that you maintain. For example, the system types below would be kept around these parameters with corresponding levels of alkalinity and nutrients.

Low Nutrient System-> Low Alkalinity:
Alk: 7.0
NO3: 2
PO4: 0.05

Moderate Nutrient System-> Moderate Alkalinity:
Alk: 8
NO3: 15
PO4: 0.15

High Nutrient System-> High Alkalinity:
Alk: 10
NO3: 25
PO4: 7

The evidence for a correlation between alkalinity and nutrients I will offer are the following master tanks parameters:

Sanjay Joshi
Alk: 10
NO3: 30
PO4: 17

Brad Syphus
Alk: 7.9
NO3: 20
PO4: 0.15

Stuart Bertram
Alk: 8.1
NO3: 15
PO4: 0.046

World Wide Corals
Alk: 8.55
NO3: 12.5
PO4: 0.055

Julian Sprung
Alk: 8
NO3: 12.5
PO4: 0.015

While not all tanks experience this correlation, I would like to know what level you keep your nutrients and alkalinity and what parameters have given you the best coloration and growth.

 

[Bryknicks]

I do not have any long term results as I've been holding these numbers steady for about 3 months since switching a few things on my system. However in this time I have had good growth and great coloration with Alk 8.4, NO3 10, and PO4 .03-.05

 

[SeaDweller]

Absolutely, I keep my alk at 7.3-7.6 dkh, NO3 at 1.0 ppm and PO4 at 0.10 ppm; you'll need nutrients for sure; as for the bundled ranges, I'm not sure that means much of anything.

 

[MrNYCeGuy]

I do not have any long term results as I've been holding these numbers steady for about 3 months since switching a few things on my system. However in this time I have had good growth and great coloration with Alk 8.4, NO3 10, and PO4 .03-.05

Good to know! Looks like your tank would fit into that moderate nutrient and alkalinity system. I myself am sitting at these numbers with good growth and coloration:

Alk: 7.0
NO3: 2
PO4: 0.1

 

[declanisadog]

Irrefutably yes. Because science..

That being said, I couldn't even guess what my nutrient levels are. I haven't tested N or P in months...