Strontium additions, tests, & benefits

[scyphozoa]

It seems that there are mixed opinions out there as to whether Strontium additions are beneficial to captive SPS reefs. I've never added it but am considering doing so.

In regards to those out there who do add strontium, do you test for it and if so what test kit do you use? How reliable do you feel it is?

Anyone ever see any negative results with adding strontium?

 

[marine_freak]

I use salifert...... I like there test kits... very reliable, easy to use, and priced right.

 

[Wiskey]

The one major thing I noticed with adding SR is that my coraline exploded. I don't know why, just that it did, coriline would probably grow even faster if I kept my SR up at NSW levels.

The salifert test is the best out there from what I have read, but keep in mind that it is a difficult test to use, and it is hard to get an accurate reading, because SR is generally hard to test for.

Whiskey

 

[scyphozoa]

Anyone use Sechem's test?

 

[Weatherman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7029407#post7029407 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wiskey
The salifert test is the best out there from what I have read, but keep in mind that it is a difficult test to use, and it is hard to get an accurate reading, because SR is generally hard to test for.

The Salifert test is good, but it is challenging.

You have to precisely remove the Ca++ ion signal first, then go on to measure Sr++. It takes a few tries to accurately see the color changes. Even then, a few drops of reagent can mean the difference between thinking you have 4 ppm Sr++ and thinking you have 16 ppm Sr++.

I ran the test several times until I was absolutely sure of the value in my tanks before I started dosing. Mine came in around 4 ppm, while the natural seawater I use for water changes came in around 8 ppm.

 

[NoSchwag]

Weatherman have you seen any change since you have been dosing?

 

[Weatherman]

nope.

But, it has only been six days.

 

[FSOL]

I use the salifert kit too and like mentioned above, it's tough to get accurate readings. Twice a week I throw in a spoonful of strontium in the sump.

My question would be whether or not overdosing for strontium is really bad for the tank

 

[jsweir]

I just ordered the kit, I'll post after my results

 

[jsweir]

JBNY had a dramatic change in his tank when he started adding Strontium. Maybe he can post if he is still using it....

 

[slojmn]

Was it a good dramatic or a bad dramatic???

 

[speakerguy]

Dramatic increase in corraline algae IIRC. The pic was impressive.

 

[jsweir]

Yes, it was for the good, at least corraline wise...

 

[prop-frags]

that's been my experience. Since I read Joe's post and other research a couple years back, I started dosing 1ml/day of SR of a "stock solution" made up from Kent turbo strontium. I tested periodically to make sure that was the right amount for my system. Now that I have roughly triple the water volume, I need to whip out the test kit again and determine the new correct daily dosage that I need. If you follow Kent's directions:

Make a 10% (by weight) stock solution by mixing 10 grams of TURBO STRONTIUM powder with 100 milliliters of reverse osmosis or deionized water . (Assistance in measurement, 10 grams is about 3/4's of a tablespoon, 100 milliliters is 3 1/3 oz. or about a half a cup) Add 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of this stock solution per 50 gallons (180 liters) of aquarium water, every week. (Daily addition is always more beneficial, so one-seventh of this amount can be added daily). Strontium is the second most important additive to the reef aquarium (calcium being the most important). Adding more than the recommended amount of TURBO STRONTIUM is generally very safe and can be beneficial in many cases, particularly when you have heavy animal loads. If you decide to increase the dosage, just read the cautions below, and cut back should any adverse reactions be noticed.