Red Sea CARE PROGRAM Algae Management Manuel Utilisateur page 5

The high nutrient induced over-density of the Zooxanthellae population disturbs the natural
balance causing competition between the Zooxanthellae and the coral for the available
resources such that without additional nutrition the coral may become undernourished.
Furthermore the increase in Zooxanthellae population causes the corals to become darker
with a deep brown tint that obscures the natural vivid pigments of the coral. Higher
Zooxanthellae population densities within the acceptable range will however provide the
coral with the energy required for accelerated coral growth.
Reducing the algae nutrients in the water will reduce the Zooxanthellae population to the
level that can only be supported by the algae nutrients supplied directly by the coral. Under
these conditions the coral will receive less energy from the Zooxanthellae and will have less
protection from the UV radiation. In this situation, if suitable coral nutrients (Carbohydrates,
Amino acids and Vitamins) are readily available in the water, the soft tissue of the coral
can increase its internal production of energy and assuming the necessary trace elements
are available in the water, the coral will increase its natural UV protection by enhancing
pigmentation of the soft tissue which is seen as enhanced coloration.
Optimal levels of Nitrate and Phosphate according to type of aquarium
Aquarium Type
Mixed Reef
SPS Dominant
SPS Frag tank
ULNS
Marine Fish
(mg/l)
NO PO
3
2
0.25 - 0.5 0.01 - 0.02
1-2 0.08 - 0.12
0
<10
(mg/l)
Recommended Test Kit
4
0.1
Marine Test kits
Reef Pro / Algae kits
Reef Pro / Algae Kits
Reef Pro / Algae Kits
0
<1
Marine Test Kits
Algae Management | 3
GB