The importance of Algae nutrient control (Phosphate and Nitrate)
Controlling nuisance algae in a mixed reef aquariums is one of the major struggles which face most hobbyists. An algae outbreak must be monitored and treated immediately before it will overgrow the corals and release its toxins to the water. Algae toxins may cause severe damage to corals, invertebrates and even fish.
Unfortunately, the aquarium provides water, light and nutrients which are the perfect conditions for algae growth. The optimal way to control algae is therefore based on monitoring the amount of Algae nutrients such as phosphate and Nitrate.
Algae nutrient monitoring (Phosphate and Nitrate)
To reduce algae outbreaks but keep enough nutrients for a mixed reef, set the algae nutrient at the minimum levels necessary to maintain a sufficient population of Zooxanthellae that provide the energy to the corals for their growth. For this to work properly it is necessary to ensure: Algae nutrient levels of 1 – 2 ppm nitrate and 0.1 ppm phosphate.
It is crucial to monitor both phosphate and nitrate and therefore it is recommended to use Red Sea’s Marine Care Nitrite/Nitrate test kit.
Red Sea’s Marine Care Phosphate test kit provide an easy measurement of Phosphate with a detection resolution of 0.1 ppm.
| Accuracy |
Range |
Test Type |
No. of Tests |
| 0.1 ppm |
0-32 |
Colormetric |
100 |
