Question for the Aquaforest Users

[SkullV]

Basic question: Of the elements you dose, how many do you test for and how often?

I am starting to use a few of the products, mostly things like vitamins and aminos but nothing that adds anything that can potentially crash my tank. I'm most nervous about Copper but other trace elements as well.

Thanks!

 

[milsaltnewbie07]

Only thing i test is Alk every other day. Besides that calc/mag maybe every 3 weeks. Thats it

 

[SkullV]

Only thing i test is Alk every other day. Besides that calc/mag maybe every 3 weeks. Thats it

Did you test for copper or any of the other elements before you started to get a baseline? How long have you been using the system?

 

[plyle02]

Nothing to worry about with Coral E or Energy. You can start with 1/2 dose and observe, it will pastel certain corals, while others stay richly saturated. Some corals have morphed, but in a good way Zeospur is way more scary to me, lol...

 

[SkullV]

Nothing to worry about with Coral E or Energy. You can start with 1/2 dose and observe, it will pastel certain corals, while others stay richly saturated. Some corals have morphed, but in a good way Zeospur is way more scary to me, lol...

When you say observe, what exactly are you observing for? How pale is too pale?

 

[plyle02]

I noticed that some of my corals, ice tort, red robin, teal stag, and bubblegum milli went lighter in the base color with extreme shift of color towards the tips. With my red planet, it went pink, I noticed all of my pinks are more electric. Some corals became richer in color. If you know your corals, you will see the changes. If you don't like what is happening, you can back off. I think you will be pretty happy with Energy, I think it is my favorite coral supp. Cheers

 

[SkullV]

Also, secondary question: Does anyone use the "reef salt" and store it? I usually make up about 1mo saltwater at a time and store it. I know it's not possible with the probiotic salt but hopeful that the reef salt can be used in this way.

 

[SkullV]

I noticed that some of my corals, ice tort, red robin, teal stag, and bubblegum milli went lighter in the base color with extreme shift of color towards the tips. With my red planet, it went pink, I noticed all of my pinks are more electric. Some corals became richer in color. If you know your corals, you will see the changes. If you don't like what is happening, you can back off. I think you will be pretty happy with Energy, I think it is my favorite coral supp. Cheers

Sounds good! I guess I'll give the energy a shot.

 

[plyle02]

The reef salt and marine salt can be treated the same as any non probiotic type reef salt. So yes it can be used in this application.

 

[milsaltnewbie07]

Did you test for copper or any of the other elements before you started to get a baseline? How long have you been using the system?

Nothing to worry about with Coral E or Energy. You can start with 1/2 dose and observe, it will pastel certain corals, while others stay richly saturated. Some corals have morphed, but in a good way Zeospur is way more scary to me, lol...

I have been using it for about 4 months now. Also no like i said i have never tested anything. Only thing i test is the big 3. As far as the copper affecting the corals, i wouldn't worry. As Perry said, he is the resident expert it does pastel sps abit, other will look very saturated. But overall i love it. Even my wife who btw thinks my tank is full of ugly sticks, just told me ... wow the tank looks really good.

 

[elviraveloz]

I check big 3, potassium and iodine.

 

[K.C.]

If you're following the AF guide and running carbon it's going to remove the minor elements copper, iodine, iron and molybdenum. AF Energy is pretty effective and safe stuff.

Zeospur on the other hand can do serious damage in an SPS tank pretty easily.

 

[SkullV]

If you're following the AF guide and running carbon it's going to remove the minor elements copper, iodine, iron and molybdenum. AF Energy is pretty effective and safe stuff.

Zeospur on the other hand can do serious damage in an SPS tank pretty easily.

Yeah, I would (will) be removing the carbon for this test. Pretty nervous about it to be honest, but going to give it a shot.

 

[K.C.]

Why run without carbon ?

 

[SkullV]

Why run without carbon ?

Wouldn't using the carbon kind of defeat the purpose of the product? I'm pretty nervous about adding copper to the tank but at the same time it would be kind of a waste to not give the product a shot "as designed" right?

 

[Piper27]

If you're following the AF guide and running carbon it's going to remove the minor elements copper, iodine, iron and molybdenum. AF Energy is pretty effective and safe stuff.

Zeospur on the other hand can do serious damage in an SPS tank pretty easily.

Do we know what are the basics that is in the AF energy? Is it similar to zeospur? I am not familiar with some zeo stuff. I have been wondering what AF product helps lighten corals.

 

[plyle02]

Do we know what are the basics that is in the AF energy? Is it similar to zeospur? I am not familiar with some zeo stuff. I have been wondering what AF product helps lighten corals.

I would compare Energy mostly to Coral Vitalizer from Zeovit, that with the added benefit of "Light" traces of copper sulfate. I would imagine the concentration is fractional to that of zeospur, which sole purpose is to get you to pastel fairly quickly and used infrequently. Energy works in a gradual way, one that you can notice with observation, if you feel corals are getting too light, you can back off dosing and raise nutrients, or lighten up your dose of the Energy. The system to me is gentle, which I feel gives the user confidence into the system rather quickly.

 

[SkullV]

What is the proper dose frequency for Energy? The web site says 1 drop per 27g daily, the "Guide" says 1 drop per 27g every other day.

 

[Piper27]

I see, didn't realize it had coppersulfate in it. I was think it meant in addition to an additive that contains coppersulfate will reduce zoox.

For the people with mixed reefs, has anyone seen any negative affects from this in any lps or zoanthid? Bleaching or stress? If so at what dose did it start?

 

[Myka]

For the people with mixed reefs, has anyone seen any negative affects from this in any lps or zoanthid? Bleaching or stress? If so at what dose did it start?

I use Coral E. I have a few LPS in my tank, a few Zoa/Paly colonies, and the odd softie hitchhiker that made it in - some green & orange Anthelia, Yuma mushrooms, discosoma mushrooms. The Z&P look better than they have since starting the tank - very bright. The LPS I have are Indo gold Torch (fat tentacles), neon green Candy Cane, rainbow Trachy, and Space Invaders Pectinia. The Torch hasn't been in the tank long - I added it early May. I was skeptical because I know the Indo Torches with thin tentacles are particularly susceptible to Brown Jelly Disease at lower alkalinity, but this one has so far been very happy and has brightened up since being in the tank. The rainbow Trachy has been the canary of the tank for me for many years - it bleaches at the drop of a hat, and seems to be allergic to light. :lol: It is getting more light now than it can usually stand, and it has been holding color nicely.