Dirty Water and Clean Water

[Coralgurl]

What does this mean? When someone says these corals like the water clean or they like the water dirty, what are they refering to? Or low/high nutrient system? And what types of corals like what? Is it phosphates, nitrates? Lots of nutients from foods? And how are both types of systems acheived without creating loads of algae issues? Hope these are not face palm questions.... I'm seeing a bit of success finally in my tanks and I guess I should really decide what direction I want things to go and how to get them there. Up until now, its throw things in and see what they do.

I haven't tested my tanks in quite a few months as it just stressed me out. As of today, I have no idea what my big 3 are at, but considering growth i've seen in both lps and sps, I assume all is good....not the right way to reef, but it saves a bit of my sanity.