Low Nutrient Systems

DRC Archive General Saltwater Discussion
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Chris Brightwel will be talking about Low Nutrient Systems (LNS) on monday, so I thought we can start talking about it and learn something.
My understanding of LNS is Algae nutrient levels of 0.25 ppm nitrate and 0.02 ppm phosphate; to maintain a reduced level of Zooxanthellae, reducing the brownish tint of the corals and inducing the protection response of
enhanced coloration. Reduced levels of the Foundation Elements [Alkalinity 8.2dKH / 2.9meq/L, Ca 430ppm, Mg
1310ppm]to lower the energy demand from coral growth. Availability of the minor and trace elements used in the soft tissue for increased coloration [I2 0.06ppm, K 380ppm, Fe 0.15ppm]

Well my system is certainly not low nutrient system, nitrate 1-2 ppm, phosphate 0.12 ppm. Alkalinity 12.4dKH / 4.4meq/L, Ca 460ppm, Mg 1490ppm. I don’t think i can reach LNS without Heavy Skimming, which i am not interested at this time.

Any one?

BTW zero reading on test kits doesn’t mean zero nitrate/phosphate.

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What needs to be mentioned is how zooxanthellae algae doesn’t provide the nutrients that coral need, only glucose. It is a misconception that reefs should be almost nutrient free, in fact it should be the opposite. Ron Shimek did an article about it in Coral Magazine.

Here’s a link to it.

http://coralmagazine.coverleaf.com/coral/20101112#pg73

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<— +1 good point Tim ::thumbsup::

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Hey Rosti, I was going to make a long post on this thread, but it turns out we’ll be having an option discussion about this in tonights meeting.

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[quote=“Gordonious, post:4, topic:4175”]
Hey Rosti, I was going to make a long post on this thread, but it turns out we’ll be having an option discussion about this in tonights meeting. [/quote]

Is anyone invited to tonights meeting or only members, also is there a entrance fee? I have never been to a club meeting yet, just wondering

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Meetings are free, just go show up and you’re good. :slight_smile: