Let's Discuss the Nutrient Balance
We hear this term being brought up all the time "Nutrient Balance". This is a broad topic with many variables to consider. Listing all the combinations of import and export would be like listing the possible combinations to a gym lock. The bottom line is that through any method of import/export we choose, the goal for most seems to keep a well fed reef, that doesn't have extraordinarily high nitrates and phosphates. Yes, I know they are exceptions, and they're welcome to post here so we may learn from them.
IME, the more you can feed while maintaining a "clean" tank, the better your colors can be. Of course lighting will play a huge roll, calcification maintenance and stability, and other additives for tweaking colors etc. In general, higher nutrient reefs have darker colors, and low nutrient reefs have lighter colors. Which is better/more healthy? I don't have an answer backed by science, but let me share my experiences. Some of these pics are old so excuse the quality
These are some of my previous and current reefs.
I encourage you to share your thoughts/experiences, but please post pics if possible. Colors can be somewhat subjective depending on what the person has seen in comparison.
Here is a prime example of a ULN reef (My old solana). These corals were under 250w halide, then I switched to T5's. The corals did well for the most part in this reef, colors were pastel, polyp extension mediocre, growth was medium-fast. Nirates usually 0 or extremely low, po4 always undetectable on Salifert. At times I became so busy working that I hardly fed this reef, and colors suffered. Sometimes I would use oyster feast but it was not enough. If I had to choose between a filthy dirty reef or a somewhat starved reef, I would choose the latter?? but IMO neither are optimal.
I liked the nutrient balance at this stage although still starved IMO
As the tank progressed things became more starved looking. Color were there but very faded. Some guys strive for this kind of look though.
Here is the MSHUR red table that became so popular on this forum. This coral is usually a deep red color, but you can see what effect a lack of nutrient will do.
Here is an older 24g reef using MH lighting. A little more nutrient in this one than the solana. I fed daily on this one usually, and usually had a small amount of detectable nitrates.
old 24 gallon by rich.colombo, on Flickr
And here's an even older 120 reef that was kept low nutrient with little nitrate and low po4. This tank was fed a good amount to keep the fish healthy.
My current tank is an example of reef that is not ULN, I don't even consider it low nutrient. My nitrates are usually around 20ppm, po4 remains pretty low though .04 using hanna low range. These levels are kept while feeding about 8 cubes of mysis daily, along with flake and pellets, and reef frenzy. This balance has given me some of the best colors to date. I have chosen to stay on this side of the nutrient balance because of the colors and extremely fast growth that I am getting. polyp extension has been insane, and I would consider health superior to my previous systems since I haven't had any SPS coral losses.
Photo came out blue
DSC_0048 by rich.colombo, on Flickr
Top down (current pic), more accurate example of colors. No photoshop enhancing. This is what the MSHUR table supposed to look like.
Yes, that's the same strand of coral as the table in my old solana pictured above.
IMG_1159 by rich.colombo, on Flickr
At the moment I will continue to avoid getting all zeros on my test kits
This balance might not be feasible for those of you with smaller reefs, reefs lacking export, or maybe owners with little time etc.. Whatever your balance is, I'm interested in hearing and seeing!
We hear this term being brought up all the time "Nutrient Balance". This is a broad topic with many variables to consider. Listing all the combinations of import and export would be like listing the possible combinations to a gym lock. The bottom line is that through any method of import/export we choose, the goal for most seems to keep a well fed reef, that doesn't have extraordinarily high nitrates and phosphates. Yes, I know they are exceptions, and they're welcome to post here so we may learn from them.
IME, the more you can feed while maintaining a "clean" tank, the better your colors can be. Of course lighting will play a huge roll, calcification maintenance and stability, and other additives for tweaking colors etc. In general, higher nutrient reefs have darker colors, and low nutrient reefs have lighter colors. Which is better/more healthy? I don't have an answer backed by science, but let me share my experiences. Some of these pics are old so excuse the quality
These are some of my previous and current reefs.I encourage you to share your thoughts/experiences, but please post pics if possible. Colors can be somewhat subjective depending on what the person has seen in comparison.
Here is a prime example of a ULN reef (My old solana). These corals were under 250w halide, then I switched to T5's. The corals did well for the most part in this reef, colors were pastel, polyp extension mediocre, growth was medium-fast. Nirates usually 0 or extremely low, po4 always undetectable on Salifert. At times I became so busy working that I hardly fed this reef, and colors suffered. Sometimes I would use oyster feast but it was not enough. If I had to choose between a filthy dirty reef or a somewhat starved reef, I would choose the latter?? but IMO neither are optimal.
I liked the nutrient balance at this stage although still starved IMO
As the tank progressed things became more starved looking. Color were there but very faded. Some guys strive for this kind of look though.
Here is the MSHUR red table that became so popular on this forum. This coral is usually a deep red color, but you can see what effect a lack of nutrient will do.
Here is an older 24g reef using MH lighting. A little more nutrient in this one than the solana. I fed daily on this one usually, and usually had a small amount of detectable nitrates.
old 24 gallon by rich.colombo, on FlickrAnd here's an even older 120 reef that was kept low nutrient with little nitrate and low po4. This tank was fed a good amount to keep the fish healthy.
My current tank is an example of reef that is not ULN, I don't even consider it low nutrient. My nitrates are usually around 20ppm, po4 remains pretty low though .04 using hanna low range. These levels are kept while feeding about 8 cubes of mysis daily, along with flake and pellets, and reef frenzy. This balance has given me some of the best colors to date. I have chosen to stay on this side of the nutrient balance because of the colors and extremely fast growth that I am getting. polyp extension has been insane, and I would consider health superior to my previous systems since I haven't had any SPS coral losses.
Photo came out blue
DSC_0048 by rich.colombo, on FlickrTop down (current pic), more accurate example of colors. No photoshop enhancing. This is what the MSHUR table supposed to look like.
Yes, that's the same strand of coral as the table in my old solana pictured above.
IMG_1159 by rich.colombo, on FlickrAt the moment I will continue to avoid getting all zeros on my test kits
This balance might not be feasible for those of you with smaller reefs, reefs lacking export, or maybe owners with little time etc.. Whatever your balance is, I'm interested in hearing and seeing!
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