Nutrients

[unbeatablebonz]

With all the products out there for reefs, it is so confusing. Iodine, calcium, strongium, reef essentials. Should I use them as instructed or not? I use Red Sea Salt usually, but my wife picked up reef crystals instead. All my corals are doing well, except, an elegance coral that was thriving, shriveled up and died over the course of 4 days.

Thoughts?

 

[greenbean36191]

[welcome]

Most tanks with hard corals need dosing of calcium and alkalinity supplements and sometimes magnesium. These should be dosed according to need as judged by test readings, not by the instructions on the package. Sometimes tanks with only soft corals can get by with only frequent waterchanges to replenish these.

Iodine, strontium, and other "essential" elements are unnecessary and sometimes harmful. Worrying about them is a waste of time and money.

A good rule of thumb is that if you don't test for it, don't dose it.

 

[sdietz2469]

yes calcium and alk ae the two most important... most of the others are replenished by your waterchanges, and can be harmful if dosed all the time, cuz they are not always used and can be toxic in high amounts.... this is my experiences....
shane