Redfield Ratio

[Fishy888]

As I'm sitting here watching my 90 gallon cube I started thinking about natural means of nutrient export, particularly phosphates. I noticed that my Kenya tree has almost doubled in size in the week or so that I've had it. My cabbage leather is about twice the size it was when I got it as well but it's taken about 4 months give or take.

I'm wondering what algaes and corals have been the best for exporting phosphates for everyone, especially for those who prefer natural means of exporting nutrients. I figured it would be interesting to see.

 

[ScubaFish802]

I know @SeaCo Nico uses macro algae as his sole filtration

 

[Fishy888]

I decided to do the same. Of course different algaes grow faster than others, just like some corals grow faster than others. I wonder therefore if some algaes and soft corals take up significantly more phosphates for the same amount of nitrates (or vice versa) Redfield allows for?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The N : P ratio is different macroalgae does vary, but I wouldn’t pick a macroalgae for that reason alone. It also needs to grow rapidly without being a pest.

Do you have more problems with P than N?

This paper shows some examples:

Wayback Machine

 

[Fishy888]

I have sky high phosphates but I am starting to get them down. Chaeto is my go to but I want to avoid things like lanthanum chloride and GFO. Too many horror stories. I will definitely read this article. Thank you!