ok so this may be a dumb question but here goes. how essential are the essential trace elements in our tanks? I have not been adding them to mine (however it is still fairly new approx. 6 months) but just curious as to how many of you do and how much are they really needed.?.? If you don't do you just let it ride with regular water changes? I have been testing the chemistry regualrly however many of these elements are not tested for...
How essential are Essential Trace Elements???
- Thread starter rnhrtfan
- Start date
phljess
New member
IMO, the most important are:
Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnesium
You have to have test kits before you start adding these elements. They need to be kept in correct proportions.
All the rest you should be able to keep up with water changes. It does not hurt to add them though, as long as you do not overdose them. This is why you need so many test kits if you are going to keep an eye on trace elements.
I also dose these on an infrequent basis:
Iodine- got to be careful with this one, too much is bad.
Strontium
Iron
Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnesium
You have to have test kits before you start adding these elements. They need to be kept in correct proportions.
All the rest you should be able to keep up with water changes. It does not hurt to add them though, as long as you do not overdose them. This is why you need so many test kits if you are going to keep an eye on trace elements.
I also dose these on an infrequent basis:
Iodine- got to be careful with this one, too much is bad.
Strontium
Iron
Jeff
Premium Member
He asked about essential Trace Elements. Alk, Calcium, and Mag are not. Essential trace elements are found in salt mixes and bottled suppliments.
The cheapest way to add these elements is with water changes containing a decent salt mix that has many, most or all of the trace elements.
Adding a bottled product, in my opinion, is a waste. I dont bother and I dont think i know anybody that does.
Jeff
phljess
New member
I guess they are not trace elements but you can bet your a** they are essential or even critical. If you know these you do not need to worry about the rest as long as your doing frequent WC's.
Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnesium
BTW, take a look at Kent's essential elements bottle, what is the first ingredient listed?
Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnesium
BTW, take a look at Kent's essential elements bottle, what is the first ingredient listed?
Jeff
Premium Member
Agreed, they are the most important suppliments to add to your tank depending on what you keep in the tank. He was asking about essential trace elements. Years ago we all added liquid trace elements along with a lot of other things thinking that they would benefit our tank. They do help but regular water changes that add some or all of the 70 trace elements is a better solution because a decent salt mix adds the trace elements, calcium, alk, mag, buffers etc..
Also, the solution to pollution is dilution.
I would check the blottle of Kent's but I dont own one. My tank does not need that stuff because I do regular water changes.
Hope this helps clarify,
Jeff
Also, the solution to pollution is dilution.
I would check the blottle of Kent's but I dont own one. My tank does not need that stuff because I do regular water changes.
Hope this helps clarify,
Jeff
coralreefer
No Pistons
Ditto.
firefish2020
New member
I always say if you are going to do frequent WC 2-3 weeks at 25%-30% you don't need additional trace element. However if you are a FO or a slacking reefer (and there are some out there) TEs can save your set up at least till you wake up and realize what you should be doing 
Ok here has been the routine....38G tank 10G water changes every two weeks that involve cleaning power heads, filter sponges, skimmer and sandbed. 5G just plain water on the week in between. Just tested the water and here are the results....
Ammo, Nitrite, Nitrate and Phos........0
Calc.....400
PH.....~8.6
Alk....~2
Salinity......1.024
I know PH is a bit high and the Alk is a bit low....Any thoughts????
Wonder if the LFS would have a Mag. test in stock that one could swing by and get this afternoon?????
Ammo, Nitrite, Nitrate and Phos........0
Calc.....400
PH.....~8.6
Alk....~2
Salinity......1.024
I know PH is a bit high and the Alk is a bit low....Any thoughts????
Wonder if the LFS would have a Mag. test in stock that one could swing by and get this afternoon?????
firefish2020
New member
I think your fine, your going to have to worry about Mag and most other elements after you have a heavy stocked system and things start taking up more of your trace. Every time I have tested for Mag it has been within tolerable levels.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/146300powerhead.jpg
Ok can someone tell me what is on the powerhead in this pic.. it only on the equipment (powerheads, heater and in the overflow)
and on the back glass.
Ok can someone tell me what is on the powerhead in this pic.. it only on the equipment (powerheads, heater and in the overflow)
and on the back glass.
ok someone has to help me here....take a look at the pic again and give your thoughts... did a 10G water change again Saturday and cleaned ALL equipment... coming back again already (48 hours later) I clean it at least once a day if not more... this stuff is really drivin me crazy I am afraid at this rate it will begin to spread onto the rock and I darn sure don't want that....could there be some inside the drain line from the overflow? It's a spa type line that could have some in the ribs... Gvie me your thoughts and someone tell me how to get rid of it...or at least get it under control.....
firefish2020
New member
This is really pretty typical after a tank is set up for a few months and is coming into a natural balance. Just add a lot of snails (turbo, astrea, cerith) and be patient, your system is still not 100% balanced yet and any large changes either way will only hamper the process IMO. Cut lights back to 8 hours also if you have not.
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