phosphates

killerwhale123 · 11/21/2012, 04:37 AM

just wondering.... how high must phosphates be to kill corals and stuff?

Mr. Bill · 11/21/2012, 05:30 AM

A lot of other variables to consider here, including the type of corals. I.E. SPS are the most sensitive. A PO4 level of 0.03 or lower is optimum; 0.1 can cause bleaching and eventual death, depending on lighting, parameters, stability, and other nutrients.

sponger0 · 11/21/2012, 07:25 AM

.1 doesnt mean bleching. Ive had PO4 at .1 or higher many times. Actually mine is at .22 right now in my Biocube 14 and they are growing in the past month. No RTN, STN and polyps are out nicely.

bnumair · 11/21/2012, 07:40 AM

that is true i have had phos up in .5 range with no ill effects on corals but that doesnt mean its ok to have them that high. usually like stated above under 0.03 is optimal.

sponger0 · 11/21/2012, 07:45 AM

Yes I agree....it isnt best to keep them that high. Bring them down. And based on what your tank has is where they are better off being. SPS do well in .03-.06. LPS and softies can handle a little higher. And some will prefer it like xenia.

But its not just how your corals will respond. It also can cause algae problems with high phosphates

Mr. Bill · 11/22/2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sponger0

.1 doesnt mean bleching. Ive had PO4 at .1 or higher many times. Actually mine is at .22 right now in my Biocube 14 and they are growing in the past month. No RTN, STN and polyps are out nicely.

Ahem... I did say it depends on lighting and other parameters.

sponger0 · 11/22/2012, 10:20 AM

Water first then lighting. You seem to believe lighting is primary, if that were the case, how do I still have them alive under pc bulbs?

chrisfont23 · 11/22/2012, 11:57 AM

Like sponger said, most corals can tolerate a little phosphate in the water. These absolute zero anything tanks scare me simply because most posters do not point out that they are for SPS farmers mostly. A little phosphate won't kill corals and for something like a GSP, Xenia, Colt or shroom, may actually benefit it. I know my corals (LPS) love a little dirty water. Just. My two cents

11/21/2012, 04:37 AM	#1
killerwhale123 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 10	phosphates just wondering.... how high must phosphates be to kill corals and stuff?

11/21/2012, 05:30 AM	#2
Mr. Bill Native Floridian Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Top of the Bay Posts: 256	A lot of other variables to consider here, including the type of corals. I.E. SPS are the most sensitive. A PO4 level of 0.03 or lower is optimum; 0.1 can cause bleaching and eventual death, depending on lighting, parameters, stability, and other nutrients. __________________ Enjoying the saltwater hobby since 1974.

11/21/2012, 07:40 AM	#4
bnumair Dr. Reef at ur service Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok, USA Posts: 7,751 Blog Entries: 15	that is true i have had phos up in .5 range with no ill effects on corals but that doesnt mean its ok to have them that high. usually like stated above under 0.03 is optimal. __________________ Water Quality: NO3 0,Phos 0,Cal 440,Alk 7.5,Mag 1300 "Reef Fast, You Crash, Reef Slow, You Pass" Mike's Reef 3:16 Current Tank Info: 350g DT,95g sump, 50g Frag tank, 4800gph return 4x Sea swirls. 6x AI Vega Color. 200# Pukani rock, dual recirculating skimmer, Biopellet, GFO Carbon rx's, Cal rx. Closed loop. 1.5hp chiller, genesis renew. Apex & RKE

11/21/2012, 07:25 AM	#3
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	.1 doesnt mean bleching. Ive had PO4 at .1 or higher many times. Actually mine is at .22 right now in my Biocube 14 and they are growing in the past month. No RTN, STN and polyps are out nicely.

11/21/2012, 07:45 AM	#5
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	Yes I agree....it isnt best to keep them that high. Bring them down. And based on what your tank has is where they are better off being. SPS do well in .03-.06. LPS and softies can handle a little higher. And some will prefer it like xenia. But its not just how your corals will respond. It also can cause algae problems with high phosphates

11/22/2012, 10:20 AM	#7
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	Water first then lighting. You seem to believe lighting is primary, if that were the case, how do I still have them alive under pc bulbs?

11/22/2012, 11:57 AM	#8
chrisfont23 Reef Monster Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Long Island Posts: 1,343	Like sponger said, most corals can tolerate a little phosphate in the water. These absolute zero anything tanks scare me simply because most posters do not point out that they are for SPS farmers mostly. A little phosphate won't kill corals and for something like a GSP, Xenia, Colt or shroom, may actually benefit it. I know my corals (LPS) love a little dirty water. Just. My two cents