Nutrient Concepts in the SPS Reef Tank | Important Acropora nutrient concepts

Here I talk about important nitrate and phosphate concepts in the reef aquarium, with a focus on Acropora or SPS. Nutrients in reef tanks is a constantly evolving topic, and it seems that there is no right or wrong answer. The aim of this video is to give an understanding of the dynamics of nutrients in your reef tank and their affect on color, growth, and health of SPS so that you could make an informed decision on your own.
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Mentioned threads/articles from message boards:
Sniper's Blue Acro grow-out contest entry thread:
www.reef2reef.com/threads/bat...
Contest winner thread:
www.reef2reef.com/threads/and...
Reefkeeping Magazine TOTM article mentioned in the video:
reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.p...
Reefkeeping Magazine TOTM list (for a trip down Memory Lane or historical perspective)
reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.p...
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[@CoralEuphoria]

Sorry about the dark, weird coral shots. I was playing with a different lens, and, well, I need more practice with it. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@chez1257]

Coral Euphoria I can’t seemed to lower my nitrate levels they’re about .10 ppm. Phosphate undetectable using the salifert test kit for both. I’m doing large water chances biweekly about 60 gallons on a 165 gallon system. I guess I might feed heavily about a cube of frozen mysis and a cube of ocean nutrition formula two. With only 9 fish. I also had a really bad Dino/cyano outbreak I just got under control (had to remove all my coral), still haven’t placed them back in the tank. What do you think the cause of high nitrates and low phosphate can be? My take not enough fish to much feeding. The other wired thing to me was my cheato died couldn’t grow it. I haven’t put any more cheato in yet because just got the algae outbreak under control. Also lost a lot of coral to RTN. Thank you in advance for any feed back.

[@CoralEuphoria]

@@chez1257 Hey Marco, Nitrate at 0.1 or 10ppm? 0.1 ppm is pretty low, actually. How old is the tank? Sounds like it isn't established since you just got rid of dinos. It's hard to say except your tank is not quite ready. 6:21 is where I talk about new or not-established tanks. I'm guessing you probably have too small of a bioload and/or you don't feed enough. The problem is you need to walk that fine line like I talked about in the video. Eventually work up to about 16-17 fish (slowly) and work your way up to the equivalent of about 4 cubes per day. Get some chaeto in there and wait until you can grow chaeto before you put coral back in. Yeah sounds like not enough nutrients and low bioload, but you need to go slow or you'll break out again in dinos. I say, since you don't have coral in there, reduce your photoperiod and strength, until you have some decent beneficial algae like green stuff or coraline growing on the rocks, just so you don't get dinos again while you are increasing the bioload. Also, no need for doing that big of water changes for now. Your tank sounds like it is pretty sterile looking right now.

[@Oceancharter]

You did a great job - super educational

[@wilmersoemo]

Hi, could i check how you actually fit the bucket into the sump for the bucket refugium?, my tank is of similar sizing to yours but i find great difficulty fitting it in.

[@glassreef]

The more of your content I watch, the more obvious it becomes that your videos are the best saltwater aquarium related offerings on the web. You've outdone yourself with this one. Simply outstanding! I look forward to the next vid, and the next, and...

[@retroreefs7986]

Glass Reef agreed

[@angelocorsi8095]

I couldn't agree more!!

[@patricktucci2818]

The illustration at 4:46 is the perfect way to visually represent nutrients in a reef tank. The concept of liquid in a bucket with spigots at different positions that regulate the level is spot on. I'll be sharing this video in the future. Thanks

[@Jtone_philthy_aquatics]

One of the best reef keeping content creators hands down! Very informative and visually appealing 🔥🤙 thank you for all of the info you share with us. I love hearing/ seeing your take on all of these topics. 🙏👌

[@mostlyreefs710]

Best content on the internet! I've been saying it and finally it has become obvious. Go check out his plethora of knowledge on his website and order some eye candy while you're there.

[@bjsreef6620]

That was a lot of good information, I’m going to watch it again. I always enjoy your no nonsense videos please keep them coming.

[@chrish6659]

Absolutely fantastic video. Great job! You bring clarity to complexity, and simplify for the masses. More of these please!

[@dragonshadow3707]

Hey bud just want to say I love your videos and thanks for taking the time to make them very helpful and much appreciated.

[@michaellawton6043]

Great video Abe! Interesting theories. Thanks for taking the time to create this video.

[@ppsthlm]

Oh wow, I don’t know how many times I’ve watched this video. So much information to take in. Thanks a lot Abe for such great videos! And your tanks, as you know, look nothing but spectacular.

[@BlueCarbonReefing]

I love your channel man. This one is like the myth busters of the reef hobby.

[@joshuaturner2394]

Thanks! Your videos are on my “Day 1 must watch” list.

[@sobermind]

This has to be the absolute clearest and most succinct explanation that I've ever watched/read. You sir, have helped me a ton. Thanks! keep the videos coming.

[@TheReeferYT]

Sick video Abe. I cant imagine how much time it took you to create it. I started with marco rock in my tank and likewise around the 1 year mark I could tell things had changed and acros started doing very well. Love your videos! 😀

[@anthonychow7417]

Wow dude! Very well put! I feel like you've brodened my understanding and confirmed my isolated thought processes. Thank you!

[@jawabob1495]

I really like your videos, this video in particular has really helped with verify a couple questions I've been wondering about. Keep up the good work!

[@brighton09100]

You have the most educational briefing videos on KZbin in my opinion. Very nice quality and easy to understand. Your success with how your corals look back you up 100%.

[@justinthibodeaux1460]

My favorite nutrient explanation on youtube. Great content Abe!

[@miltonenglish1679]

I really love this video. Thank you so much for all the work you put into this. I have certainly learned some stuff from it

[@sunnygoold9449]

Once again you have knocked it out of the park on this video ;) Awesome Abe

[@bonsaiolo7220]

Hi Abe, greetings from France. Thx for the quality, the advice, to me your channel is #1. I don't miss a single episode.

[@insanity4224]

This video was exceptional. Especially the diagrams. I’ve been doing a lot of research on this subject lately based on my faded corals due to low nutrients and low feeding and this has helped me. Cheers!

[@TheTrevor40]

Still one of the best videos on nutrients. Well done!

[@tylerclontz]

Awesome video! I liked it a lot. It’s interesting, I hit 1 year recently with my tank, and acro is finally doing very well. It wasn’t until 9 months in with this tank that I actually realized I was not importing enough. Cheers friend thank you again. 🍻

[@WilSantiagoReefing]

As usual, content is top notch and the eye candy corals are a bonus! Thanks

[@Bhodges9582]

Now that's how you make a video!! I need to watch this a few more times to soak up all that knowledge, so informative. I love how you explain things. I also believe in a heavy in, heavy out method. Due to watching your videos I switched to rowaphos from standard gfo already. Thanks for the excellent content. 🔥🔥🔥

[@d4nn13s]

Abe! you are the man dude! Thanks for the vid, definitely learned a lot from this, happy reefing 🐠

[@TheLizardNews]

Love your channel! Best reefing videos on KZbin for sure!

[@ballejoreef4599]

Ive been waiting for u to do a vid on no3 and po4 and here it is. Thanks for the awesome info.

[@sigitas.a]

The more I watch this channel, the more I believe this guy has some kind of scientific education. Fantastic source of information and thank you!

[@Carlos23reef]

Very interesting I run basically the same system heavy in heavy out sps dominate no3 is 16ppm and no4 is between .10 - .1 everything is doing really well. Thanks for the video.

[@Reefgrrl]

Well, this video defined what I’ve been doing - HIHO. And you’ve confirmed that something stabilizes at around the one year mark, making a new tank able to sustain SPS with less loss - people with new tanks and limited experience would do well to listen! Great video - I’m going to watch it again to understand parts of it better, plus I’ll get another look at the eye candy. 😁

[@mohamedgendia4274]

You are amazing with easy and sample ways to any one to understand ... Keep this good things going i really get alot of information from your videos you are the guide line for me .. i love your work .. beat wishes and happy reefing from Egypt

[@wonimini]

I watched all of your videos. Especially, several times this one. I appreciate your kind explanation and hope to watch your contents more often. Thank you.

[@CoralEuphoria]

Awesome, thank you!

[@anchor4346]

Strangely, at least to me, I think I find this to have been one of the more informative vids on NO3 and PO4 that I have come across.. and I think I have seen 90% of them... I do like your take on the subject.

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Fantastic! Amazing job and scientific evaluation along with excellent observation and explanations! Keep this up.

[@jdwellsart5104]

Amazingly informative video … I have a tank of about coming up on one year after a tank transfer to a waterbox , this definitely helps understand a bit more what’s going on thank you 🙏

[@clintspiteri489]

Unreal video love how you explain things mate. Keep them coming 👌👌👌👍

[@chrispond84ify]

Great video man, best reefing youtuber by a mile

[@MereReef]

I havent watched the video but a like was needed lol abe love your vids man one of the BEST youtubers out there

[@CoralEuphoria]

I appreciate it 😀

[@rickb7242]

Great video. Really appreciate you dumbing it down for some of us lol. It really does give it a good perspective on the way to achieve great color and growth from our corals. I struggle with my 300. I have a mixed reef but mainly sps and i have a ton of flow and lighting but i also have a ton of fish. Im sure my want for that full reef look is not allowing me to have a awesome tank like yours. I get alot of compliments on it but i am not happy because i know it could be so much better. I appreciate all the videos you do. There are not many fellow reefers with such a successful aquarium like yours that get into the specifics like you do.

[@CoralEuphoria]

Thanks for sharing, Rick. 👊

[@patrickfeeke5629]

I started my new tank 6 months ago with the exact same plan. I have change everything I do in line with your methodology and I must say you are spot on. I even made a bucket refugium and "IT's Alive!" I have tried anticipate previously experienced issues in my reef, but realize I have never any challenges touch wood :). This video is at my number 1 spot for anybody wanting to keep any SPS. #myfavoritechannel! Thank you!

[@CoralEuphoria]

Thanks so much!

[@dominicaubrey4588]

Great vid. Did not disagree with anything you said. What was great was that you explained his newer tanks need to be handled. This is always overlooked and you get ppl with newer tanks trying to copy what someone does with a 3 year+ tank and then it all goes to bad. Great tank too.

[@iant419]

Nobody admits our hobby grade test kits are garbage. Glad to hear you saying it. I trust you more than most for that comment alone my dude.

[@9StickNate]

Stellar video! Keep them coming!

[@billyclifford6106]

I like the way you addressed the ever evolving understanding of nutrients. I'm secretly running an extremely high nutrient system mostly to try and save a wilsoni I found nearly dead at LFS. Its only a secret because if I need advice or have an issue I want as much input as possible not a comment thread that ends with what my po ⁴ no³ is. I've found as of yet nothing negative. I have a lps dominant reef so I'm sure that plays a large factor. I also have an aggressive export methodology.

[@Utubereefer]

Love your tank! It’s my goal for my 120. Doing a reboot now. Trying to emulate what you’re doing this time around

[@REEFPizza]

Discovered you just now, amazing content!

[@Bluenosegrows]

so nice to see someone who gets its , there is an old reefer saying , Stability. Promotes .Success .

[@matthiasmitra8643]

Wonderful video. Love your method of explaining!

[@GuruNick]

I come back to re-watch this video every few months. Such a good reminder to consider where my nutrients are at, how I should be thinking about them, and to explain any variables I've seen. Great vid! BTW, what salt mix do you use?

[@tylerjaax4917]

Such a good video. Keep the content coming!

[@kotlec]

Can sound like cliche, but best explanation I have ever experienced.

[@jsreefs5576]

Great video and great explanation! Definitely heavy in/heavy out for me!

[@r3ndszergazda]

Great video! If only it was this easy to prevent nusiance algae & get great acropora colors. I think there is a lot more to the subject. Also the people who are saying to raise the nutrients are in my opinion below the lower “wave” on your diagram @7:22, so very-very close to the bottom. Interestingly it seems like nuisance algae, cyano, dino also likes that “band” at not just the one above the upper “wave”:) Love your channel! Actually it is my current favourite! Keep the videos coming!

[@JDReef]

Excellent video fella, I like your way of thinking and your tank is simply amazing 👍

[@franciscogarcia4981]

Great content, like always Thank you for share your knowledge!

[@adamkwek5888]

Keep it up , really like your sharing and thoughts . Love to watch your video

[@paunpaun6988]

Awesome vid! Keep them coming

[@MAR1N3GUY]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@eillyacostandinides3344]

Man you summarized reef keeping science in a video.

[@chez1257]

Great video Abe. Loved the content very informative.

[@JonasDaunoravicius]

Best video out there! Great job! Totally agree on the heavy import/export. It’s what I have found to work the best for me now for 6+ months. I’m not sure however why your test kit readings are so off compared to ATI ICP. Mine are surprisingly dead on and after confirming a few times. I confirmed it by testing also right when I was sending them. I auto feed 3 times a day and manually 0-2 times a day so when you take your water sample to test and /or send really makes a difference in the readings. I use salifert for nitrates and Hanna ultra low test for phosphates.

[@CoralEuphoria]

Very true about the timing! I suspect that is a huge reason for the difference

[@chosenjacob4604]

Learnt so much from you over all your videos, this one I've watched before, but just rewatched now. I've been playing with phosphate reduction methods, as I decided GFO is dirty and a pain to deal with. I initially played with lanthanum chloride, but didn't like it, stuff scared me, and it showed very high on ICP. For the last couple of months I've been adding sodium nitrate to my RO top off to intentionally elevate my nitrates, and in doing so, allowing me to run my chaeto reactor more aggressively. I guess I'm force feeding my chaeto to keep my phosphates at a reasonable level, and it seems to work really well. It's also cleared up some micro algae, i guess by outcompeting. I just pre-mixed a batch of 2L of sodium nitrate, then drop 10ml into my 25L RO container. Hopefully a few more months of playing around with this will see if it's a long term strategy, but I'm pretty happy right now, and I'm pouring food into my tank.

[@melaniesimpson6322]

Your videos and explanations are amazing. My new tank( waterbox , 75 gallon display with 30 gallon sump), is only 4 months old. Mostly softies and a couple acropora just to see how they do. They are alive, but not growing much. Guess I'll just have to wait it out. I do feed heavy and have higher nutrients than you at this time... .o6 phosphates and 20 nitrates. Using a skimmer and filter socks with weekly 10% water changes. Thinking about trying some rowaphos as well, but will have to use a media bag for now. Just watched last nights live with Reef Bum...great stream...Thanks

[@SCReefer]

Great update!!! Keep it simple...

[@drexistre7364]

Man you have an awesome reef thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@retroreefs7986]

Great video Abe!!! Not much out there on this topic believe me I’ve searched it. This very debate has been going on in my head I’ve dozed no3 and po3 trying to raise nutrients off of zero to 5 ppm then 10 ppm for months now to see what the results would be and although I’ve have learned what my acropora seem to like I’ve concluded overall my tanks health as a whole is best at 2-5 ppm nitrate and any reading I get above zero po4 I’m happy. So I’ve now moved away from dosing no3 and po4 and I’m feeding heavier and adding fish slowly. Thanks again

[@CoralEuphoria]

Thanks for sharing that 👍

[@NationalReefing]

Wow a lot of ground was covered in this video! 👏 It could have easy been a 3-part series with the volume of information covered, solid video! Good job with the pacing and keeping it positive! I like your style of "Here's what I read" vs "How I'm applying it" including "Here's the results" and "How I've adjusted my technique" without talking down to the viewers or trying to sell/push products. 👏 👏 👏

[@CoralEuphoria]

I appreciate the feedback 👍

[@someone6reefs]

Great info always look forward to ur vids 👍🏽✌

[@teereefer1276]

Thank you for the information always can use that

[@republicreef8036]

Good thoughts. Just lowered my no3 and po4 to 5 and .07-.12. Would like to get my po4 down to .05 consistently just don’t want to use rowa. 20 fish in about 180g. Started feeding less and that has helped. Skim overnight to keep ph up at night but shut off during photoperiod to keep ph below 8.4!

[@miacuariomarino]

Hi, I can say that after low nutrients and lost of some SPS and LPS I learn how important nutrients are in the closed reef system. I started to feed my tank more often and got better results in growing, color and health of the corals. Also letting me to raise the intensity of the t5 light by raising the hours of use.

[@MikeLemming]

Great info sir! Awesome video!

[@MereReef]

Wowww what an awesome informational video... best nutrient vide i have seen. You explained it so well

[@CoralEuphoria]

I appreciate it 👍👌

[@TattooedDancer91]

I like your thought process, it matches mine as a new acropora keeper. I run my acro tank with tropic marin products only, and in that methodology carbon dosing is used to feed the corals. So the extra bacteria are not supposed to be skimmed out, but provide the nutrients in a more pallatable fashion to the corals. So even though I don't have measurable nutrients, my acropora are growing. Some are basically white, but growing fast. Others, like my strawberry shortcake, came to me bleached after stessfull shipping. And despite my ULNS it is, after 1.5 months maybe, completely colored up and totally beautiful and growing. I even got my money back for it, since it was bone white and with no polyp extension. So the way I see it is, I need to saturate my water with pallatable nutrients. Bacteria, aminos, planktonic foods daily. I have a very low fish population, so I really feel this saturation works. anyways, great video!

[@CoralEuphoria]

Bacteria driven systems are very interesting for sure! Thanks for sharing 😁

[@jules2545]

Great video, thanks.

[@kokobean7476]

Yay new vid! :D It’s nice 👍🏽👍🏽

[@CoralEuphoria]

😍❤

[@322sheffield]

GREAT VIDEO....VERY INFORMATIVE

[@MikeLemming]

Awesome info man!

[@laurens6267]

What a great vid! My favourite reefing channel for sure! You only feed dry foods? Can you make a video about what you feed and why, I ve read a lot of people with high input say you shouldnt do dry. Also I agree the po4 shouldnt go to high. I bought 24 frags from a ulns with high input of which 2 died within a week. My p04 was 0.12 and two others were losing tips. I then lowered to about 0.08 and they regained there tips. Now its has gone up again and they are losing tips. I for sure believe some corals cant deal with po4 higher then 0.1. Also you should try the red sea p04 test kit. I realy trust this kit. I trust it as much as my kh test kits, and in the netherlands it is recomended and trusted by most on the forums.

[@solo636]

Great video mate, got yourself a sub 👍.

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

So true about the low phosphate and nitrate readings. I can get algae and have zero readings, corals are the ultimate test kits 😀

[@wilsonline90]

As many have said, great awesome video specially for those who want to achieve what you did. That's my case. And that is kind of going with some of our believes/hypothesis. Not saying I'm doing all that, quite opposite actually lol Yes, unfortunately I did skip WC and my nitrates are quite high. PO4 went to 0.13 ppm, it was 0.02. I only have a few frags and 3 days ago they went downhill. All closed, one may die IDK. But I added more Rowaphos and they opened again. Not saying the issue was PO4, I just don't know. But the guy from one of the LFS I go told me it could also be ammonia or nitrites. And I did a treatment for fluke, so I dosed prazipro and also dosed Vibrant for a bit of algae that came up. So yes, could be the medicine but as the guy said maybe I had an ammonia/nitrite spike. I will never know. I just hope the frag that did really bad comes back.

[@mgsullivan24]

Great video!

[@dann12343]

Awesome video and I trust your coral philosophy.. Don't take so long for another video. It felt like forever.. 😭😭😭

[@LuisGonzalez-lb3vw]

Nice work man.

[@KreefAquariumhobby]

Great video and info! I shared this on my FB page! 👌👌👌

[@CoralEuphoria]

Thanks so much!

[@MrMostafoles]

Really good video!

[@shaunsmith6388]

I’m setting up a new tank. I share your feeling 100% on heavy in and heavy out. I’m interested to know how you have your bucket plumbed as well as the light used? Thank you got the informative video

[@hungry5351]

Amazing video.

[@lucasaquarium6342]

Best Video Ever!!!!!

[@hyon8366]

Hey man your tanks are amazing. I would love to get some of your frags but the shipping to South korea might break me. Either way appreciate your vids they give me more knowledge about this hobby nowadays i started just before you but have been off and on

[@tommydbaker]

Solid advice here, well down!

[@dusk1947]

Excellent video discussion sir. Can I make a reading suggestion? I am a laymen in my understanding of corals, but my degree is in plant and soils science. Your approach reminds me of agricultures framework in understanding terrestrial photosynthetic organisms nutrition. I think this discussion would benefit from understanding "Liebig's law of the minimum", a foundation of plant and soil nutrition. I won't suggest it's a direct parallel, but i think the methodology is worth your time given your literacy on the topic. I find many similarities between the nutrition concerns of soil vice sea water in how they sustain the organisms relying upon them

[@davidwaters7345]

Great video 👍👍👍

[@mattangel8943]

Great video

[@nodieskysgonzales]

I just want to thank you for for your class . Seriously amazing knowledge. Question for you. Why not send in the bottom??

[@AcquaNando]

Muito legal 😁

[@jamesabaileyjr]

Started this method a month ago. Didn't know anyone else was doing it.