We all know..do we??

Diesel · Feb 25, 2014

What PO4 level you have the best results on your SPS.

This is not about who has the best SPS, but more like that we all like to know that it can be different in a way with same results.

Ok, I go first.
As I used to run full ZEO and the PO4 was right at 0.02 or 0.04.
Now with AP it's between 0.08 and 0.12.
Result is corals are deeper in color, but awesome growth and PE.

Thanks,
Ben.

Reefpro · Feb 25, 2014

Ok I'll play....

I use Hugh cap GFO and my po4 is .02-.05. Colts are good. PE terrible and growth seems normal. Seemed to better a little higher and my SPS was richer in color

Brian

revhtree · Feb 25, 2014

Great thread! Looking forward to seeing all the results!

WhoKnew · Feb 25, 2014

I'm not as good at this game as some. Lol. But my PO4 is 0.05. I do notice that my colors are richer.

evolved · Feb 25, 2014

But here's the rub; studies have shown growth rates decrease once PO4 levels exceed 0.03ppm.

There's certainly a balance to be had.

ritter6788 · Feb 25, 2014

I don't run gfo or any phosphate removing media, no macro in my fuge. I always get 0.00 with a Hanna checker. I don't bother testing anymore. My sps actually stop growing and decline if I use gfo, even in very small amounts.

Velodog2 · Feb 25, 2014

And considering how imprecise or even inaccurate virtually all home phosphorous and phosphate testers seem (based on my observation as well as conversations on this board) how likely is it that we are capable of maintaining that balance with any certainty?

Guerry · Feb 25, 2014

I use the Hanna checker and as long as it reads in the mid range of .05 up or down I'm happy but the best test for it that I fine is how often I have to clean my glass.

Eric B · Feb 25, 2014

Hana bench top low range checker used and PO4 is .06 and have good sps coloration and polyp extension. I tried the Hana egg and it always read 0.00 until I checked it against the bench top model. I do run bio-pellets (Warner Marine brand) and have a slow flow through the reactor which is a recirculating model and has been set up like this for over a year.

Greenstreet.1 · Feb 25, 2014

I keep mine between 0.06-0.09 no GFO I run npx bio pellets and carbon also dose coral amino from brightwell.

nola90 · Feb 25, 2014

0.02-0.04 for me. Any higher, the growth seems to slow (I use my encrusting monti as a measure).
Anything lower than 0.02 the colors seem dull and PE at night isn't as heavy when lights go out.

I honestly have not tested in a long time, but my eyeball test of algae on the glass tells me if I need to change GFO soon or not. If it does, usually the sps growth slows down with the algae overtaking the glass.

Thales · Feb 25, 2014

Here is a recent article about this topic:

Reefs Magazine - Skeptical Reefkeeping IX: Test Kits, Chasing Numbers and Phosphate

Thales · Feb 25, 2014

evolved said:
But here's the rub; studies have shown growth rates decrease once PO4 levels exceed 0.03ppm.

Which studies are you referring to? Thanks!

cvicente · Feb 25, 2014

1.27 ppm PO4

cvicente · Feb 25, 2014

Measured with a LaMotte Smart2 colorimeter

Guerry · Feb 25, 2014

Thales said:
Here is a recent article about this topic:

Reefs Magazine - Skeptical Reefkeeping IX: Test Kits, Chasing Numbers and Phosphate

Great article you wrote and have enjoyed the great debate over on the other site, please keep it coming

ReefJeeper · Feb 25, 2014

Increased phosphate levels increase growth rate in Acropora muricata ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

Increased Po4 levels are actually showing increased growth rates in this study.

Chris07 · Feb 25, 2014

I recently have been in the process of moving and I usually keep po4 at .03 - .04 but I haven't done a water change this month and have let things go a bit and I noticed great PE, color, and growth has increased. Haven't checked po4 yet to see what it's at but a little dirty seems to be working

Jakef150 · Feb 25, 2014

Biocube 29 w/ AI LEDs

Mines between 0.02-0.10 and nitrate 5ppm

2 mangroves , and dragon breath in my tank with BRS GFO 4 tbsp and 2 tbsp BRS rox carbon

My SPS are growing normal and nice colors.