Balancing the chemical compounds in your reef: Do you pay attention to the nitrate-phosphate balance?

[Peace River]

Balancing the chemical compounds in your reef: Do you pay attention to the nitrate-phosphate balance?

It seems like there used to be a lot more of a focus on the balance between nitrate and phosphate. While the Redfield ratio (comparing carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) is occasionally mentioned, it doesn’t appear to be a common point of discussion. When the relationship between nitrate and phosphate is brought up, I have heard ratios of 16:1, 15:1, 10:1, and more. Regardless of what ratio that you use, do you pay attention to the nitrate-phosphate balance in your marine aquarium? Please let us know your experience and any tips that you have to share with the R2R community!

Photo by @youramigojake


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[Troylee]

I test to make sure they’re not bottomed out and that’s it! I don’t play the ratio game… zeo user here.

 

[Pistondog]

I test for both, but dont think the ratio is relevant.

 

[exnisstech]

I'm similar, I test but don't compare. I would go crazy trying to keep N & P at certain ratios on 3 systems. On my 180g as long as N is 20 or less P 0.1 or less I'm good. My two smaller tanks are more hands on as I'm growing out acro frags. I dose bactobalance on both and zeobac in one and MB7 in the other. These two I just try to make sure N & P stay above zero.

EDIT: I meant less than 1.0 for P ussualy the 180 is 0.3 - 0.6

 

[doubleshot00]

I test but I dont really care about the ratio.
My last test was NO3 22 and PO4 .33.
As long as my NO3 stays over 10 and PO4 reading above .07 I'm usually happy.

But in the last 6-8 months they have all been elevated and the tank is doing fine so why mess with it.

 

[Subsea]

The ratio of 16:1 is Redfield Ratio which is for phytoplankton only.

I have sent Gracilaria Hayi for testing at a regional agriculture lab. It’s N ratio was 32:1

Plant Analysis - Ward Laboratories, Inc.

www.wardlab.com

P-2. Routine Plant Tissue Testing​

$29.75 USD​

This is a great entry point for plant testing! Send us a sample, following directions for your individual crop. We’ll test your sample for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron and molybdenum. You’ll receive a complete report of your results, allowing you to adjust management techniques accordingly.
VIEW SAMPLING PROCEDURE

 

[IntrinsicReef]

I used to aim for 100:1, but I have had success at many different ratios. So, I stopped using ratios as a guide.

 

[Subsea]

The ratio of 16:1 is Redfield Ratio which is for phytoplankton only.

I have sent Gracilaria Hayi for testing at a regional agriculture lab. It’s N ratio was 32:1

Plant Analysis - Ward Laboratories, Inc.

www.wardlab.com

P-2. Routine Plant Tissue Testing​

$29.75 USD​

This is a great entry point for plant testing! Send us a sample, following directions for your individual crop. We’ll test your sample for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron and molybdenum. You’ll receive a complete report of your results, allowing you to adjust management techniques accordingly.
VIEW SAMPLING PROCEDURE

High concentrations of available nutrients do not grow more, however, any one insufficient mineral will limit growth.

 

[John K]

Ratio is irrelevant.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I test to verify when it's time for a water change. I never have a problem with zero nutrients.

 

[JayM]

Never even heard of Redfield until the other day when I was reading a thread where ratios were mentioned.
My NO3 runs mid to high teens and my PO4 fluctuates between .1 and .3.

 

[hexcolor reef]

I don’t pay attention to the balance but when I do a water test, I notice from reading others post. I see mine is online with ideal and best results for coloration and growth

 

[billyocean]

I try to be .08-.12ish....a little higher no worries. 10-20 on no3 but prefer 15-20 as a good buffer from bottoming out. As far as a ratio I don't really care.

 

[AtlantiCat]

I just try to make sure neither is particularly high. It's too exhausting to try to achieve any particular ratio. I want to enjoy my tanks, not spend all day worrying and chasing numbers.

 

[Paul B]

Balancing the chemical compounds in your reef: Do you pay attention to the nitrate-phosphate balance?

Short answer......No.
Long answer.....Nooo!

 

[kevgib67]

I might test monthly or a little longer. My system runs higher normal and I’ve never been close to bottoming out. I test mag, ca and alk just about weekly.

 

[TheSheff]

Never even heard of Redfield until the other day when I was reading a thread where ratios were mentioned.
My NO3 runs mid to high teens and my PO4 fluctuates between .1 and .3.

The ratio has no relevance in keeping coral tanks . If your tank is doing well in those parameters, then there is no reason to change anything.

 

[Badboyan93l]

Well a person that's been battling with High phos and Nitrates. I no longer aim for the redfield anymore. I still have .75PPM nitrate (hanna flashing) and could never get it down using tons of methods. The only thing I can control is the GFO, so I keep it around 0.09 - 0.3. No longer above .03, why? because anything above will slow down SPS growth. High Nitrates keeps my corals super colorful.

 

[Eldredge]

I’m not really sure about this, but I find it interesting that almost everyone that gives their ranges and says they don’t care about ratios have a ratio of about 1 to 100 with the ranges that they keep.

 

[Gill the 3rd]

I test my phosphates and nitrates consistently, but dont care about maintaining any sort of ratio. My previous tank ran high nutrients and hovered around 30ish ppm nitrate and 0.15ish phosphate, it grew lps and sps corals just fine. My current tank has the opposite problem and my nutrients hover around 10ish ppm nitrate and 0.05ish phosphate. It grows lps and sps just fine lol. Ive learned it doesnt really matter where you nutrients are at (within reason), just keep it consistent and your livestock will adapt.