Supplements for reef tank?

[michael_in_nc]

Any suggestions for reef tank supplements. Initially, I thought I would try and keep it as simple as possible, but after reading more about supplements, I am concerned that my tank may greatly benefit from supplements. I have read alot about Iodine and Strontium as well as other "all-purpose" trace element additives. Any thoughts?

Currently, I dose C-balance and Kalkwasser (w/ my RO/DI top-off water on a float valve).

Setup: 75gal; 30gal sump; 300W MH; 200W PC actinic; Little Giant MDQ-3 main pump; Berlin skimmer w/MAG7; two Maxi-Jet 1000 powerheads for internal flow.

Thanks!

 

[HippieFish]

A nice rule to follow -- if you can't test for it, don't add it.

 

[sarduci]

I'll second HippieFish, never add anything you don't/can't test for.

If you added something and don't test, you could do more harm than good....

 

[Andrew]

All I use is Kent liquid calcium every once in awhile and then limewater.

 

[joelowrider]

i use a ph buffer calcium and trace elements

 

[Amphiprion]

I do the same as Andrew.

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

limewater?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7387760#post7387760 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by onecrzyboi4u
limewater?

limewater=kalkwasser

 

[TOYMAN357]

what about the kent A and B I was told to add it every other day.

 

[bertoni]

Kent Tech CB? That's a two-part alkalinity and calcium supplement, and it should be fine. I use B-Ionic, but they're both the same idea.

This article discusses water parameters, which should cover the most of the bases for supplements:

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

 

[TekCat]

I am also guilty of pouring magic supplements from time to time. However I've observed that regurlar waterchanges replenish most of the trace elements, and there is no real need for "magic elixirs" The exceptions are Alk and Ca of course.

 

[bllfish]

You dose both C Balance and Kalk? I am not sure but I think I read you could be overdosing with both and cause the calcium to precipitate causing something like a snow storm in your tank. Someone correct me if I am wrong!

 

[mitlik1]

Does anyone add a little iron and iodine (a couple drops) a couple days a week?

 

[bllfish]

My mistake, I thought C Balance was a two part additive. DA.

 

[Paintbug]

C balance is a 2 part. many people will use a 2 part buffer and kalk to maintain their calc/alk levels. personally the only thing i add to my tank is some homemade 2 part. water changes will take care of the rest.

 

[TekCat]

No iodine since I have no softies. Weekly water changes should provide enough iodine for my shrimp's exoskeletons. But I do dose Kent's Iron for my Chaetomorpha.

 

[Amphiprion]

You really don't even need iodine for softies IME--no real evidence there, either.