General Instructions for testing NO3 a PO4 and dosing NO3:PO4-X
- Only use NO3:PO4-X according to the enclosed instructions.
- Test only with high resolution test kits such as Red Sea's Nitrate & Phosphate colormetric comparator Pro Kits.
- The NO3:PO4-X dosing chart (on back of product) is based on testing 100 liters/25 gallons of water. Estimate your total volume of water (aquariums and sump less the volume of live rock) to calculate the correct dosage for your system.
- NO3:PO4-X should be added to the sump. If you do not have a sump, add NO3:PO4-X slowly to an area with high water flow to prevent direct contact with the corals.
- Efficient protein skimming is essential to provide the necessary oxygenation of the aquarium and to remove bacterial flocks from the water.
- NO3:PO4-X must be added consistently on a daily basis to prevent starvation and destruction of the nitrate and phosphate reducing bacteria. If you miss one or more days of using NO3:PO4-X, do not add the amount that you missed and resume the dosing at the current daily dose.
- For optimal results, it is recommended to add NO3:PO4-X with a dosing pump.
NO3:PO4-X Directions for Use
Controlled nitrate and phosphate reduction
In biological nitrate and phosphate reduction, there is direct relationship between the reduction of nitrate and phosphate. The reduction rate of nitrate is higher than that of phosphate. The dosing of NO3:PO4-X is therefore regulated by measured levels of nitrate. However, in lower nutrient systems it is important to also monitor the level of phosphate.
Prevention of nuisance algae in marine fish and soft coral aquariums / Accelerated growth of LPS and SPS corals
Before starting to use NO3:PO4-X, measure, and record the level of nitrate in the aquarium. Start with the recommended daily dosage, test the nitrate every week, and adjust the dosage until the nitrate level is stable between 1 and 2.5 ppm.
Measured
Level (ppm) |
Daily Dosage
ml/100 L
(25 gallons) |
| NO3 above 10 |
3 |
NO3 above 2.5
but less than 10 |
2 |
NO3 above 1
but less than 2.5 |
1 |
In the event that the nitrate levels drops below 1 ppm, cut the daily dose by 50%. Test nitrate two times per week and adjust the dosage accordingly until it stabilizes between 1 and 2.5 ppm.
Enhanced coloration of LPS and SPS corals
Before starting to use NO3:PO4-X, measure and record the level of nitrate and phosphate in the aquarium. Start with the recommended daily dosage. Test the nitrate every week and adjust the dosage until the nitrate level has been reduced to approximately 1 ppm.
Continue daily dosing as recommended. Test both nitrate and phosphate at least two times per week to make sure that the nitrate and phosphate levels do not drop below the desired levels of NO3 = 0.25 and PO4 = 0.02>
Once the desired levels have been reached, continue dosing daily and monitor both nitrate and phosphate weekly.
Measured
Level (ppm) |
Daily Dosage
ml/100 L
(25 gallons) |
| NO3 above 10 |
3 |
NO3 above 0.25
but less than 10 |
2 |
NO3 above 0.25
but less than 1,PO4 above 0.04 |
2 |
NO3 above 0.25
but less than 1PO4 above 0.02
but less than 0.04 |
1 |
In the event that the nitrate level drops below 0.25ppm or the phosphate drops below 0.02, immediately cut the daily dose by 50%. Test nitrate and phosphate two times per week and adjust the dosage accordingly until they stabilize at the desired levels.
General Information
NO3:PO4-X is a unique complex of carbons that are used by nutrient reducing bacteria. Each carbon in the complex is utilized by different strains of microorganisms while ensuring the specific Carbon-Nitrogen-Phosphorous ratio required for each stage. The complex includes other organic bonded elements that are important stimulators in each stage of the reduction process. These metal and non-metal elements ensure steady bacterial propagation and complete nitrate reduction to nitrogen gas and the absorption and utilization of phosphate by the bacteria.
The fine control of the nitrate and phosphate levels provided by monitored dosing of NO3:PO4-X guarantees the gradual changes and accurate maintenance of the nutrient levels. Thus preventing destruction of the zooxanthallae population that can cause UV shock and starvation of the corals.
Unlike some other low-nutrient regime, correct use of NO3:PO4-X will maintain all of the micro fauna that are beneficial for the reef.
NO3:PO4-X is also recommended as a complete carbon source for use with carbon-based de-nitrators.
Do not use NO3:PO4-X with conjunction with sulfur-based de-nitrators or phosphate and nitrate removers as the different methods for nitrate and phosphate reduction will cause interference.
Nutrient Control
Micro-biological reduction of algal nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) occurs naturally in all anoxic areas of the aquarium (inside live rocks, porous filter media and substrate). This bacterial activity is limited by the availability of suitable carbon sources and mineral co-factors. Under normal conditions, it is unable to reduce all of the algae nutrients generated on a regular basis. Supporting the natural processes by regular dosing of a suitable carbon source and mineral co-factors provide an easy and reliable method of incremental control of the algae nutrient levels to safely control both the presence of nuisance algae and the population of symbiotic zooxanthallae. Incremental control is most important with stony corals, allowing corals to gradually adjust themselves to the subsequent change in exposure to UV radiation, increase in required energy production and decreased rate of coral skeleton growth (skeletogenesis).
Nitrate & Phosphate- Comparison of various reduction methods
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| NO3:PO4-X |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Protein Skimmer |
Researched and tested formula that includes all of the necessary elements for the balanced and controlled, long term reduction of both NO3 & PO4 without the need for reactors or replacement media. |
VSV
(Vodka + Sugar + Vinegar) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Protein Skimmer |
Rapid reduction of NO3 and PO4 however over the long term, a lack of essential elements will reduce effectiveness and may lead to the collapse of the bacteria population. System can produce H2S which is toxic for corals and fish. |
| Vodka or Ethanol |
Yes |
No |
No |
Protein Skimmer |
Rapid reduction of NO3 but does not reduce PO4. If not combined with additional PO4 reduction, the N:P ratio will be disturbed leading to outbreaks of cyanobacteria. Over the long term, a lack of essential elements will reduce effectiveness and may lead to the collapse of the bacteria population. System can produce H2S, which is toxic for corals and fish. |
| De-Nitrators |
Yes |
No |
No |
De-nitrification Reactor |
Rapid reduction of NO3 but does not reduce PO4. If not combined with additional PO4 reduction, the N:P ratio will be disturbed leading to outbreaks of cyanobacteria.
Carbon Systems: Inherently unstable and difficult to regulate. System can produce N2O and N2S, which is toxic for corals and fish. Over the long term, a lack of essential elements will reduce effectiveness and may lead to the collapse of the bacteria population.
Sulphur Systems: Relatively low maintenance however, they easily become clogged and can cause sudden pH drops. |
| NO3/PO4 Removers |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Media Reactor |
Rapid but uncontrolled reduction of NO3/PO4 that can easily cause stress to corals. Some products such as Zeolite/ Ferric Hydroxide ion exchangers typically release undesirable cations. Lower quality products may also release undesirable metals (Al, Fe). |
| Refugium |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Refugium |
Low maintenance but slow and uncontrolled NO3/PO4 reduction. In the event of collapse of the algae population, allelochemicals (toxins for corals) are released to the system. |
| 
 "Red Sea NO3:PO4-X Biological Nitrate and Phosphate Reducer")
Control nutrients that fuel aggressive algae growth naturally without reactors or resins. NO3:PO4-X Biological Nitrate and Phosphate Reducer is a unique liquid carbon complex that stimulates and supports the growth of nitrate and phosphate-reducing bacteria. A steady population of these bacteria allows complete nitrification PLUS the absorption and utilization of phosphate. The result is controlled nutrient reduction that keeps nuisance algae AND symbiotic zooxanthellae algae population in check.
