Nitrates?!

[Conski]

Is there an okay level where the nitrates can be at in a reef? or should they always remain zero?

 

[fsn77]

In the average reef tank, nitrate levels below 20 ppm are fine (especially if it's an all soft coral tank). In a SPS dominated tank, less than 5 ppm is a more appropriate goal.

Our reef tank has a mix of softies, LPS, and SPS (no fancy Acropora, but there are some Acropora, Montipora, Stylophora, Pocillopora) and nitrate levels hover between 5 and 10 ppm. I've had no problems with anything in the tank at those nitrate levels.

 

[ToeJam]

Try to keep them below 10 I believe is the most advised number. Honestly I have to refer to the old book to be sure.

Such a basic thing I should know ....meh ...mis filed in my brain someplace.

nvm beat to the punch

 

[Conski]

These are the only two i have, i know ones a frogspawn and i dont know what the other is! They both seem okay!? What should my Nitratres be at with them in there?

 

[ToeJam]

Thats a Zooanthid ... and the below 20 would be good..below 10 even better...

 

[fsn77]

The other coral is some zoanthids or palythoas -- I'm bad at saying what either is definitely as there's many varieties of each.

If you keep your nitrates under 20 ppm you'll be fine, but I'd shoot for 10 ppm or less if possible.


Edit: LOL TJ is faster on the draw this time!

 

[Conski]

Thanks guys