newbie seeking additive advice

[naterealbig]

Good evening reefers,

Just had a few questions for the sps guys here. I have:
60 gallon tall
20 gallon sump w/ LR and chaetamorpha
remora pro w/ mag 3
250W MH aqualight pro
eclipse 18W 14k flourescent for the sump
Mag 7 return pump, single return
80 lbs LR total (soon to get about 50 more lbs)
Purflo RO/DI (5gal water change weekly)
TM pro reef salt mix

I'm in the process of switching from a FOWLR to a SPS system. I have been doing a lot of research, and still have more tank upgrades to do. My next purchases are:

Powerheads for more flow
Reef test kit
Reef additives for SPS system

Question 1 - what (specifics pretty please) additives will I need for this particular setup? Is there any "all in one" brand of additives that I can use? I don't have the money for a Calc/Kalk reactor. I have read a through several threads but they might as well have been speaking french.

Question 2 - I don't have the option of drilling my aquarium right now, so are power heads for more circulation my only option? If not what would you recommend and how would you set it up?

Question 3 - What would you recommend as a good (accurate yet economical) reef test kit that I could buy?

Thanks a lot,

Nate

 

[REEF-DADDY]

With a light ca-load you could get away with kalkwasser in your make up. This should take care of ca/alk for a while then you'll graduate to 2 part. I would not add anything else. For powerheads if you can diy, maximods are great if not seios are economical too. I would start with Salifert No3/Ca/Alk kits. The cheaper kits just are not accurate enough fo sps.

 

[naterealbig]

Ok....something I'm still a bit confused on.. the exact definiton of 'kalkwasser'. What is '2 part'? I will definately go with the salifert test kits - your not the first to recommend. Thanks

 

[REEF-DADDY]

kalk

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=729377&highlight=kalkwasser

 

[REEF-DADDY]

Required reading

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

 

[naterealbig]

Thanks reefdaddy

 

[REEF-DADDY]

Thanks for your service.

 

[myusername]

HI

 

[GMAX]

Kalkwasser = calcium hydroxide and RO water mixed and dripped into tank

Two part = commercial additive or homemade but equal parts alkalinity and calcium added in alpha order ( a first then c ) daily. At your LFS look for ESV or Kent both have two part additives.