We Want Answers to Phosphate & Nitrate in Reef Tanks. Can Our Approach to Nutrients End the Debate?

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I'm nearly 64-years-old, setup my first aquarium some 52-53 years ago, and one thing I've learned is - we still have a lot to learn. I haven't kept a saltwater tank in decades, but I'm now retired and getting ready to start another, and from reading, watching videos, and seeing where the hobby is, we've obviously made a lot of progress, not only in the equipment and products available, but also in knowledge. Humans are very good at figuring things out......eventually. After-all, we _finally_ learned that smoking isn't good for you, but I'm old enough to remember when they had ads on TV pushing cigarettes. They'd have an actor dressed in a white coat smoking a cigarette, and the narrator says, _"More doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette."_. *LOL* I'm honestly almost surprised that I was able to have a successful saltwater tank all those years ago, considering my somewhat limited knowledge and the way I was doing it, but I was. I have no doubt I can do it much better now, however. A very informative video, thank you.

[@exbballfan]

I just retired early because of Back and Neck surgery. I just got a 230 gallon reef tank. I am soooooo glad I got back into it after over 30 years

[@ameritsuptoyou]

I turn 64 in October. I started in the hobby in the early 80's and appreciate your take. I've been in and out of the hobby over that time, (raised 5 kids and now have 9 grandkids). I dove headfirst back in the 'reef' part of the hobby in 2010. I was like, what the heck is up with these LED lights and no chillers? :). I'm very fortunate to live 20-25 minutes from World Wide Coral & Top Shelf Aquatics. Along with BRS and other sources, we are very fortunate indeed to be where we are today. (Not to mention the hardware companies) My current system has been up and running for just over 10 years. I'm decked out and fully involved. Fortunately, I never did take up smoking!!! Now, if I could just get my hands on the Trident NP... Good reefing!!

[@TrevorHiller]

I’ve had good success using the Avast Marine Plank auto feeder. I buy a variety of dry pellets and freeze dried foods, mix them all up in a large batch then set the auto feeder for several 1 minute increments per day. This allows predictable daily nutrient input that allows you to titrate the nutrient export methods to the goal of no algae and good color/growth. Stabilizing one side of the nutrient input/export balance eliminates many of the variables and provides excellent consistency for the corals and fish. I think a quality autofeeder removes a lot aquarist inflicted problems and is probably an underrated piece of kit aquarium kit that would serve many beginners well.

[@Merknilash]

Please give our gratitude to Ryan for all of this content No one has done more for the hobby in the last decade

[@951000jerome]

I love how far we have come. We went from pushing brands like our lives depended on it to quoting scientific papers to push forward the hobby. Lets keep this going ❤

[@JFTB-i8y]

? They are a retailer. They wouldnt exist without those brands to then be able to quote these papers.

[@austinfacey1144]

@@JFTB-i8y I think his point is that they are going so far beyond the call of duty as a retailer and are making genuinely valuable content.

[@JFTB-i8y]

@@austinfacey1144 yea, but the first half of his statement was as if a retailer is not supposed to recommend products they sell. If a retailer doesnt make money they dont exist. Its not a bad thing its just a thing.

[@austinfacey1144]

@@JFTB-i8y I get ya. People are often suspicious of the accuracy of information from a salesman I guess.

[@JFTB-i8y]

@@austinfacey1144 and thats fine. If theres a specific video or statement thats verifiably untrue people should talk about that, but a blanket statement essentially saying selling products is bad. Like literally everyones job is founded on selling a product or service to someone else in some way.

[@RatherBeTraveling]

Thanks for doing these. :) This couldn't have come at a better time. I have been battling high Phosphate and Nitrates... Really at my wits end. I have a Red Sea 850 (225 gals). The tank has been running about 15 months now. Here is a quick background. I went out of the country for a month. Came back and the tank was out of balance. Phosphate shot up to .49 and Nitrates was at 29.5. I even hired a LFS to watch my tank while I was out of the country. (money not well spent). These issues started back in late August when I returned. In the tank, I have a roller, refugium and skimmer. I have been doing weekly water changes of 40 to 50 gals of water. Using Red Sea Red salt. I have reduced the feeding and stopped using pellets and the auto feeder 4 months ago. During this time I have has a large number of sails die off. I added more cleanup crews and those snails died off with in two weeks. The crabs and other smaller snails are doing their job and still are alive. Also I started adding Dr. Tim's Waste-Away at every water change. Before adding this I didn't seem to have any green hair algae but it exploded in the tank now. It's a weekly battle to remove it from the rocks. I have very few corals in the tank most LSP, 5 Hammers, Duncan, and Goni. The fish load is Sailfin, 3 Yellow tangs, Tomini, Rabbit, 2 Clowns, Flame, and 4 other small fish, all of them look health and no signs of stress that I know of. As of last night my reading for phosphate and nitrate is: ,27 and 13.2 . I added a GFO reactor last night fingers crossed this helps. But I need more advice in what do. I know patience is what is needed, but I think it's starting to run out.

[@GenePlotkin]

Get more corals. When the tank is full of them, you will have the opposite problem. I need to dose nitrates in order to keep them from bottoming out.

[@MarkStover-we3yk]

One thing not mentioned about going down to zero n/p is dreaded Dino’s. That is what hit me HARD as a new reefer. I thought I was doing right as I was feeding only frozen food as Randy mentioned here, but my n/p bottomed out. I was having great success with my coral and fish till this. It killed a lot of my coral and I’m just now beginning to beat it. Getting a microscope was the key to diagnosis and a solution. Thanks for these videos as I ALWAYS learn something new.

[@BRStv]

This is one of those puzzles where tanks running 0/0 "sometimes" also have a problem with dinos but my experience is a majority don't. Of those tanks that do run into this, elevating nutrients only seems to solve that a portion of the time. The future is in there somewhere but there is more to be learned. I am confident that at least part of the challenge has to do with the lack of competitive or predatory organisms that would normally prevent dinos from overwhelming the tank Check out the last couple minutes of last weeks video linlked you to "'the one thing" kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHTak42Adr-Be5o.

[@LeeGrill]

This is how the hobby evolves!

[@BRStv]

sometimes I forgot how long it’s been since that first tank and how much has happened since then. The evolution is the best part :)

[@Mignon-n1v]

The key to transforming our hearts and minds is to have an understanding of how our thoughts and emotions work.

[@Richs_reef]

Really great episode 👏🏻 well done Ryan and team - having a range for phosphate and nitrate rather than a specific number seems subtle but so important for new reefers

[@BRStv]

a range can make it clearer that we are all close to agreeing and stop the nitpicking of immaterial differences :)

[@dusk1947]

Great video. To quote a very old reference: "It's the dose which makes the poison". Which was very well delivered in your video. As with most biological organisms and systems, it exists within a gradient. Our reef tanks are no different. Any element, temperature, pH, or just about any other parameter can either fall to low (deficiency) or rise to high (toxicity) and become a problem or an outright threat to that organisms survival. N & P are no different. And you framed that concept quite well here. Your format was also excellent. You noted the hobby perspective, cited it's common history, why we do - what we do. And then interjected the relatable scientific theory with multiple known studies as evidence, which also showed both the evolution of understanding as science learns and added replication of multiple studies. The approach lends significant credibility to your arguments. And then of course, your follow up on constructive suggestion and methodology. Extremely well put together Sir.

[@BRStv]

Thanks. Sometimes I wish it was as easy as just saying “ do this” which takes 30 seconds to explain. It’s the compelling “why” that takes 30 minutes to explain. Even then it was a wasted 30 minutes if what was shared wasn’t compelling enough to justify action :)

[@jake_thehoff]

Excellent video. I have heard many opinions on how to raise / lower these levels, but I am glad this video pushes a further understanding to where the issues originate, or by that -- the solutions. Thanks!!

[@PhoenixNARC]

2 words. Abundantly informative!

[@BRStv]

Mission accomplished :)

[@Goingpostal1000]

Thank you so much for these!

[@BRStv]

Glad you like them!

[@kevin8360]

I’ve found that a Nitrate:Phosphate ratio of 100:1 keeps the algae away, while also keeping my corals happy. I generally like it around 15 Nitrate and 0.15 Phosphate, because everything seems clean and healthy from 10 Nitrate and 0.10 Phosphate up to 20 Nitrate and 0.20 Phosphate. I keep two of my dosing pumps set up with NeoNitro and NeoPhos just in case one needs some adjusting. I’m typically dosing both… as I have a very light bio-load. I test once per week, and adjust dosing as necessary. The adjustment could also be done by increasing/decreasing feeding, skimming, etc. I accidentally really made my corals amazingly happy for about a week… a large snail died, sent the Nitrate to 28ish before I found him and tested. My corals love the Nitrate soup! So, I’m definitely on the WWC train with “dirty water”. I’m also on the BRS train of let your Nitrate land where they will (between 5 and 25), and adjust Phosphate to it at a 100:1 ratio (or really close). I battled algae the most, when I had low Nitrate and no Phosphate. It’s hard to get them up in that situation. You’re removing algae (which is Nitrate in a way) while trying to raise your Nitrates.

[@DrAqua-nz9we]

Thank you do r the summary that is both accurate and concise. Can the articles discussed be posted for our reading?

[@DrAqua-nz9we]

Thank you for the summary that is both accurate and concise. Can the articles discussed be posted for our reading?**

[@7h0m4s]

Thanks!!

[@s3thedwards]

Another great video!!

[@BRStv]

More to come :)

[@arslanxelan9606]

Ryan challenging the reef orthodoxy yet again. This is what I am here for. I think its time to rethink those research articles the were accepted as true back in the day, and may need to be update due to advances in the hobby and new info being brought in.

[@BRStv]

Much of what we think we know is the result of hard facts applied partially or incorrectly.

[@ModBay]

This is an excellent video. Greetings from the UK.

[@qqqqqqqq1407]

whats that fish at 8:24 the black and white one ????

[@BRStv]

harlequin sweetlips

[@qqqqqqqq1407]

thank you!

[@locksmith9580]

12:11 did u say app? What app do people use to keep a log?

[@SantaMonicaFiltration]

Yep, export is the best port.

[@BRStv]

scrubbers for the win :)

[@willcollectorslounge6050]

Amazing video!!! I have a situation with my 25 gal Peninsula. My phosphates are sitting at, or between 3.5 to 4.9. Yes, those numbers are correct. I did 10 gal water change bi weekly and now doing 5 gal weekly. It's been like this for over 6 months and still the same. I've had many "Oh try this and oh try that" but still in that range. I can type more, but I would need a book 😂I almost to the point of starting over. I can keep some encrusting coral, but my goal is for to have a couple of Acros too. Suggestions? Yes I tried that too. 🤦‍♂ Thank you!!! 🤘💪

[@BRStv]

When tests are way out of line with expectations, i always check my test kit against another source. Bring some water into an LFS or buy another brand of kit. Outside of that, I'd do 30% water changes weekly until it comes down. ~ 6 water changes should do the trick. Chemicals, media, and rapid solutions are poor choices for bringing down nitrate and phosphate together in any reasonable sort of balance.,

[@willcollectorslounge6050]

@@BRStv The test I have used is the Hanna, Nyros and the Aqua spin at my LFS in one week and it reads the same. So I will do the 30% water changes and hopefully it will work. Thank you for your help and response. I will keep you posted.

[@tomg5405]

You should set up different tanks with different nitrate and phosphate levels and same corals.. That would be the most interesting experiences of all

[@BRStv]

That would need 2-4 replicated tanks to be compelling. Worthwhile but also a big task.

[@tomg5405]

@@BRStv yes but you are the o my one than could do it, and it would be so helpful for the hobby :-)

[@dazsboxofwater]

I’ve started dosing elimi from tropic marin to reduced phosphate as it’s sitting at .18-.20, nitrate .15-.20 , coral colours , growth & polyp extension seems good , just got a gonipora retracted, he’s I’ve tried dosing maganese to no effect.

[@eastfallsglass]

On the screen at 12:21, there appears to be Apex charting with weekly and monthly charting options. Where is this available, and how do I enable it in Fusion? This is one of the biggest limitations I've found with fusion is the ability to only chart weekly, there is no ability to see the long term trends.

[@BRStv]

there is a slider bar above the chart to give past history :)

[@maricel0602]

Love your videos!

[@BRStv]

Thank you!

[@Lukas-jo5jg]

For some reason my nitrates are low, like really low while I'm having trouble controlling the phosphates. My nitrate goal has always been greater than zero less than a lot.

[@MiddleAgedMike]

Great video

[@kevinkershaw1435]

please open a store in the uk or even europe

[@jeffreybarrette3844]

3rd, hello from iowa

[@RaulsAquaticsandReptiles]

🔥🔥

[@bornstellar1519]

Love this video, 200 IQ

[@ProducerReef]

Let’s goooooo

[@rhombifer566]

Carbon, dusting saved my aquarium

[@rhombifer566]

Harmening said my tank I done all of the above and did not work for me. Reduce fish reduce feeding increase water changes all of the above and take goodness for carbon dosing.

[@Sec_coach]

His tanks has more measures than Bryan Johnson’s breakfast

[@velodim]

First. Hello from Miami)

[@D.hodge87]

I’ve tried but I just can’t stick with this series, it’s just not hitting it in the right spot and feels off. It doesn’t hold my attention took like the first series did. And honestly I can say this about most all of the recent videos. After nearly 8 years on this channel I think I’m going to call it! Good luck, hopefully you can recapture the magic you once had!

[@tomg5405]

Testing phosphate just one time per month is very bad advice it can go up or down fast if you wait to long you can crash your tank, I would recommend every tree day or maximal every week particularity at the beginning

[@raisethereef]

Waste of time and money testing that often. I haven’t tested phosphate in at least a year. Have enough fish, feed well, and the tank will take care of itself.

[@BRStv]

More the better. There is a lot of value up front as well. What we are shooting for in this video is high value goals with a reasonable amount of effort. Right now I bet less than 5% test monthly. I have never met anyone who tests nitrate daily. IMHO the nitrate test kit takes too long and is not accurate enough to recommend daily tests.

[@tomg5405]

@@BRStv Ted but most people reef tank to be honest looks very not nice for a reason, nitrate I agree not need to be test so often it also not charge so quick but kh and phosphate can particularly a the beginning of the tank until it is stable and you not change a lot

[@customhookah7489]

Man, hard to follow at times.. just keep it simple.. feel like im listening to a teleprompter speech

[@raisethereef]

Plenty of simple information to follow along. Take the numbers Ryan lays out and run with them. If you don’t want all science and experiments of where those numbers came from, fast forward.

[@tylerl.4699]

Too telepromptery. I appreciate the added production value, but the BRS videos lose all their punch when Ryan is doing the Joe Biden just reading lines and not using his charm in any way. Watched the whole video, heard nothing.

[@Firefenex1996]

It's weird to see a comment like this when this format and production value has been what BRStv does for 80% of their videos for at least 5 years. Plus a video like this gets to the point while expanding on what previous videos covered. Not everyone is looking for an hour long q&a sit down.

[@s3thedwards]

Your loss.

[@BRStv]

I believe that everyone likes to learn in a different way and because of that everyone will like a different style of video. The live or shot live content includes more elaborate nuance and detailed experiences but can also take 2 hours to share the core concepts that can be done in 20 minutes with other formats. Preparation for this type of video takes an hour or two. The scripted content is the result of me gathering my thoughts, researching, reviewing past experiences and discussing the topic with my peers. Then attempting to make the most compelling information dense content. Getting feedback and then refining. This specific script took about three weeks to get where I wanted it. Part of why 52 weeks isn't truly weekly this time. My personal favorite type of content to create is a hybrid of the two, speaker events with a prepared presentation. Result is a mix of high density information, with nuance and experience that took weeks to build but it is still a hour or two long :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6ipdH14qbFsr7M

[@BRStv]

@@gomisreef I always try to open the video with exactly what you are going to see so we don't waste your time if you are not interested. In this case, this is what we opened with. "today we share our recommendation on when nutrients turn into pollution and when pollution turns into poison, the exact numbers all of these tanks are going to run on and the most comprehensive reason why to date. All that is coming up." Did we deliver?

[@BRStv]

@@Firefenex1996 this was the format from about 2008 to 2019 where we started doing some of the mistakes videos and more lives or shot lives. For me the “shot lives” with Joe , Than, Elliot, Victor, Josh , Lou and John have been the most fun and informative but they sure are time consuming for the viewer :)

[@Kawwwman]

1st