A very good read from RC.

[TexasTodd]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=765673

Enjoy.

TT

[GaryP]

:)

What they failed to discuss is that sulfate is processed by bacteria similar to how nitrate is. Its not biologically inert like chloride is. Randy claims that no research has been done on this. That's not true. There has been extensive work done on the marine sulfur cycle. I got 66 hits when I searched for "marine sulfur cycle." Most of these are scientific papers that I wouldn't recommend unless you are having a hard time sleeping.

[TexasTodd]

Great Gary, did you find any that said a build up could be "bad"?

That seems to be the million dollar question.

TT

[GaryP]

No, because there is no build-up in the ocean. All of the research has been done in relation to marine nutrient cycling and ecology. Food contains a lot of sulfur too, but I have never heard of anyone suggesting we not feed our tanks to prevent a build up in sulfates. Does my skepticism show? From my experience in waste water treatment I know there was never any issue concerning discharge of sulfates into aquatic systems. If there was a problem associated with it, the wastewater discharge permit would have addressed it. Sulfates are often a common component of waste water because sulfirc acid is used to neutralize alkaline water prior to discharge and for pH control of cooling tower water. The neutralized acid results in sulfates. Phosphates and nitrogen compounds on the other hand were a major issue.