Tackling Nutrient Imbalances in Reef Tanks: A Real-World Q&A

Reef tank management is a delicate balancing act. Recently, I had an interesting conversation with a fellow reef enthusiast about a common challenge: managing low phosphate and nitrate levels to prevent issues like cyanobacteria (cyano) and dinoflagellates (dinos). Here's how it unfolded and the advice I shared.

Question:

I’ve been struggling with low phosphate and nitrate levels in my tank. Some people advised me to start dosing ammonia to address the lack of nitrogen. Do you think that’s a good idea?

My Response:

Ammonia is the starting point of the nitrogen cycle in your tank:

Ammonia → Nitrite → Nitrate

In a healthy system, ammonia is naturally produced as waste by your tank's inhabitants. It’s then broken down by beneficial bacteria into nitrite and finally into nitrate, which is essential for cellular growth in corals and other organisms.

Instead of ammonia dosing, I recommended using a nitrate supplement, like Nitrate Boost+, which provides the nitrogen your tank needs directly and safely. For those looking for alternatives, NeoNitro is another option, but it tends to be more expensive while delivering the same results.

Why Daily Dosing May Be Necessary

High coral loads can be both rewarding and demanding. When your tank’s inhabitants and corals consume nitrogen faster than the natural processes can replenish it, dosing becomes a necessity.

For tanks in this situation, there are two approaches:

1. Overfeed and Remove Excess Nutrients:
   • Overfeeding your tank can create more waste, which increases available nitrate and phosphate.
   • This method requires additional equipment like protein skimmers and frequent water changes to manage excess nutrients plus the time involved to do so.
2. Dose Nutrients Directly:
   • Adding nitrate and phosphate supplements directly gives you control over nutrient levels without the waste or cost of overfeeding.
   • It’s cost-effective in the long run since it reduces the need for frequent water changes, the cost of salt involved, the high cost of food to overfeed.
   • Saves on the most important resource - TIME!
   • Allows flexibility to go away from your tank for extended periods without worry.

For tanks with high demand, I recommend using concentrated solutions like the Nitrate Boost+ 5x and Phosphate Boost+ 5x. These are ideal for reefers with larger or highly stocked systems who need to dose more frequently.

Takeaway for Reefers

If you're struggling with low nutrients and recurring algae outbreaks, like cyano and dinos, nutrient dosing could be your solution. Balancing the ecosystem in your reef tank isn’t just about adding nutrients; it’s about finding a method that works best for your tank and lifestyle.

Do you have questions or challenges in managing your tank? Reach out anytime—happy to help!

Sincerely,

Joe Kennedy
Owner of Reef Solutions