That’s an excellent point. I do not think ratios, maybe not even specific numbers, should be targeted. For the new reefer specific numbers should work as an easier goal.Yes it could but if we learn to connect our measurement to what we see in our aquarium and that we succeed to to hammer in the line - High values, okay - but how does your aquarium look? We maybe can succeed to connect the measurements with facts like this below. If I have a problem with Oscillatoria - maybe not going above the ratio of 7 : 1 according to N : P. But I agree - there is a lot of questions not solved. Does it matter which form the N is in. Can Oscillatoria utilize NO3-N or does it not have the enzymes needed. Most the N in the ratio be as NH3/NH4-N or as amino acids - N in order to be taken up by the cyanobacteria cell? Amino acids pass through single cells and protozoa cell walls as good as NH3/NH4
Sincerely Lasse
But since we sometimes deal with some prolems that are harder to comprehend, a better understanding could help us interpret it’s origins.
Citing the original Redfield’s ratio on discussions brings many errors automatically, but refining that information with better understanding could help us.