Tank Parameters

[Djbeasley05]

I’m curious if anyone with similar parameters as me have successfully grown acropora. I haven’t had any issues with montipora and would like to start on acros. All numbers are rock solid with almost no fluctuations. I’m dosing call, Alk and mag to maintain numbers.

Salinity- 1.026
Calcium- 440
Alkalinity- 9.2
Magnesium- 1360
Nitrates- 40ppm
Ph- 8.2
Phosphates- no test kit




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[mcgyvr]

While possible that nitrate number is typically not suitable for acros..
It typically indicates a less than optimal environment and you should focus on addressing that first..

[Akram]

Get you a phosphate kit as well

[CRookSkee]

Nitrates are a little too high unless you are going to be blasting them with say 700+par. Id also get a hanna phosphate checker, get the one that reads in ppb.


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[oshanickreef]

Honestly your nitrate is fine if your phosphates are also high. The key is to never run zero nitrate and phosphate. if they are equally high then it is okay but if say, nitrate is 40 and your phosphates are zero (and vice versa)... your acros will suffer. Some acros are also much hardier than others.

Definitely get a Hanna phosphate ppb meter (low range).

Also for acros the alk and calcium can be a wide range you just have to keep them stable. Alk swings will cause acros to die.

Another thing to consider. Always dip your corals in Bayer because if you get acropora eating flatworms it is just a nightmare. Though there is an in tank treatment for them now, they made me almost get out of the hobby.


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[bertoni]

There are a wide range of opinions on parameters and coral health, and the nitrate level is a current topic of debate. Most likely, the corals will be okay, but the nitrate might affect the coloration by encouraging zooxanthellae growth, which would turn the corals browner.

I don't think we know what effect nitrate has on corals very clearly. We can't look at the organic content of the water very well, for example, and that might be a significant problem that some have blamed on nitrate.

[CRookSkee]

If it wasnt for this post i wouldnt of ever tested my phosphates i did just now, no wonder my sps have been struggling. I had 150ppb wich turns out .45 ppm


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[mcgyvr]

Originally Posted by CRookSkee

If it wasnt for this post i wouldnt of ever tested my phosphates i did just now, no wonder my sps have been struggling. I had 150ppb wich turns out .45 ppm


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While elevated nitrates/phosphates seem to cause problems in many peoples tanks there are also those whose tanks are doing great with elevated numbers..

As stated by bertoni elevated nutrients typically cause rapid/excessive nuisance algae as well as zooxanthellae growth.
There are ways to in essence counteract those nutrient levels like higher light and alkalinity levels..

[hkgar]

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