How is the Redfield ratio used?

How is the Redfield ratio used?

The Redfield ratio is instrumental in estimating carbon and nutrient fluxes in global circulation models. They also help in determining which nutrients are limiting in a localized system, if there is a limiting nutrient.

How do you calculate Redfield ratio?

The Redfield Ratio is just the ratio of N to P in moles. To get moles from phosphate, divide the weight based concentration, (ppm or mg/L) by 95 (g/mole) and the nitrate concentration in the same units by 62 (g/mole). For example, take the entry at 50 mg/L nitrate and 0.01 mg/L phosphate.

What should phosphate level be in aquarium?

0.02 parts per million
For tanks housing corals and other reef animals, phosphate concentrations below 0.02 parts per million (ppm) are recommended. Problems, especially with runaway algal growth, usually can be observed as concentrations exceed one or two ppm. Yet, some poorly maintained systems can reach levels as high as 5.0 ppm or more.

What is carbon dosing in a reef tank?

It is frequently is in short supply in a reef aquarium. Carbon dosing is the act of adding available carbon to your ecosystem. Carbon is a food source for these bacteria. As the bacteria reproduce they consume excess nutrients in the tank, mainly phosphate and nitrate.

Why is the biological pump important?

The particle flux, often termed the biological pump, plays a central role in biogeochemical cycles of carbon and many elements, provides the main food source for life in the ocean interior and controls, in part, ocean uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide and spatial patterns of ocean productivity.

What do you understand by eutrophication?

eutrophication, the gradual increase in the concentration of phosphorus, nitrogen, and other plant nutrients in an aging aquatic ecosystem such as a lake. The productivity or fertility of such an ecosystem naturally increases as the amount of organic material that can be broken down into nutrients increases.

Is too much phosphates bad for fish?

Phosphates can also create a harmful environment for your fish. If you allow phosphates to build up in your tank, they can contribute to algae blooms, which can starve the water of oxygen, resulting in a poor environment for your fish.

Do protein skimmers remove phosphates?

Protein Skimmer An efficient skimmer will remove dissolved and particulate organic matter, improving water quality and limiting phosphates and nitrates.

Does carbon dosing reduce nitrates?

The goal of carbon dosing is to improve water quality by lowering nitrates and phosphates. Nitrates and phosphates can lead to algae blooms and poor coral health if the levels are too high.

Can you overdose Microbacter clean?

Yep. No chance of an overdose.

Is green algae phytoplankton?

Phytoplankton are photosynthetic, meaning they have the ability to use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy 11. While they are plant-like in this ability, phytoplankton are not plants. Most freshwater phytoplankton are made up of green algae and cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae 13.