KH versus Nitraat Question for Randy Holmes Farley

[danny@]

If there are levels off nitraat off +/- 5 ppm whats the proper dKH level for this. I think regaring you latest article 12.6? (4,5 meq x 2,8= 12,6)

 

[randy holmes-farley]

I don't understand the question. That is, I don't know of a relationship between nitrate and alkalinity.

 

[danny@]

Hi Randy I ment suppose I have 5 ppm nitrate in my tank should I try to maintain 4,5 meq alkalinity for maximum coral growt. Or did I misunderstood the article?



http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/ ... 3/chem.htm

In most cases where nitrate levels have been examined in relation to the growth of calcerous corals, the effects have been reasonably small, but significant. Elevated nitrate has been shown to reduce the growth of Porites compressa (at less than 0.3-0.6 ppm nitrate),16,17 but the effect is eliminated if the alkalinity is elevated as well (to 4.5 meq/L). One explanation is that the elevated nitrate drives the growth of the zooxanthellae to such an extent that it actually competes with the host for inorganic carbon (used in photosynthesis and skeletal deposition). When the alkalinity is elevated, this competition no longer deprives the host of needed carbon.17

 

[randy holmes-farley]

I think it is a good idea to keep alkalinity on the high side if you have elevated nitrate, but I wouldn't worry about the difference between 4 and 4.5 meq/L. Just at the high end of the normal reef keeping range is a reasonable goal.

 

[danny@]

Thank you Randy for the reply!

 

[randy holmes-farley]

You're welcome.