The theory - in as few words as possible (and from a total laymen):
Various types of bacteria can become 'carbon limited' in terms of growth. In essense, most tanks have enough phosphate and nitrate to grow more bacteria, but not enough usable carbon. By adding more usable carbon bacteria populations increase. This process removes usable phosphates and nitrates out of the water column. These building blocks are then not able to be used by the microscopic algaes in the corals which are typically tan/brown. The microscopic algae populations decrease making the corals, especially SPS, more colorful by unmasking the pigments.
Lower nutrients (within reason) = better color
__________________
Mike
On hiatus. I'm either out riding my bicycle, playing with my family, or throwing ferts in my planted tank. Or working. I hope I'm not doing that though.
Current Tank Info: 140 DIY Cube
|