Marine Aquarium chemicals and additive questions.

[Bbentler]

First of all, I know there are a lot of questions I am asking so if you can answer any of them it would be helpful. Also I am new to this portion of the marine hobby and have never had corals before. I have pretty well decided I definately want some xenia in my 2 gallon pico tank. I do best if I could find something that would simply lay out what each of these chemicals do for the marine enviroment and what I should or shouldnt do daily for them. My question was what do I need to do with each of these chemicals. I don't know the best ways to control nitrite and nitrate in a small tank like that. Should I add a protein skimmer as well as my wet-dry filter I have with bioballs. Are bioballs bad for a small reef tank? Also, what do I need to know about the different additive chemicals. I have seen a Kent Marine Nano Reef additive. Would that work well? What should I know about Calcium, Phosphate, and Strontium and are there additives I should use with them? Are there any other additives I should know about?

Sorry for all the questions, but I do well when I have all the different chemicals and additives all straightened out before I start adding coral. And like I say if you can answer ANY of the questions feel free to post.

Thanks

Ben

 

[PatMayo]

Here is the straight scoop. With a tank that small you really do not need to do anything but pick a good salt, Instant Ocean is one, and change the water. Most everything you need for the corals etc. will come in the water. You may want to dose for Calcium and Alkalinity. But you do not, I repeat, do not want to add anything unless you can test for it.

A good test kit for Alkalinity and Calcium is Salifert. That is what most people use. I don't think you will need a skimmer because with a tank that small you will be changing the water at least weekly I would think.

There are a lot of products out there sold to unsuspecting people usually just to make money.

So with that said I would spend some time in the chemistry forum and just stick with the basics.

Bio-balls typically create nitrates. Most folks use live rock as there method of filtration. I would use some good live rock and can the filter. If you can buy a skimmer to go on that small of a unit I would. The issue is cleanliness for a tank that size.

There may be some better experts here that can help you with a small tank like that. I am by no means an expert.

Regards,

Pat

 

[bertoni]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

That article goes over a lot of basic water parameters. You might also want to visit the nano forum here on RC. Xenia should be quite happy in your tank, given a bit of light. I don't think you'll want a skimmer with such a small tank. Regular water changes might be all you need, although a few test kits are a good idea, IMO.