Supplements

[Malenurse]

In a 32 gallon reef with soft corals and monthly 30% water changes, what would be the most efficient way to supplement calcium and alkalinity? Do I need to supplement magnesium, strontium, iodine, or trace elements? If so, what would be the most efficient way of doing this?
Chris

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

for softies then you shouldn't have to does anything at all if doing your water changes.

 

[bertoni]

[welcome]

A 2-part like B-Ionic is a good way to get started.

You might need to add some magnesium from time to time, but perhaps not. I think a magnesium test kit is a useful item to have.

The other elements are not useful to supplement. This article might be useful:

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

Also, this one might be interesting:

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

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

also never add anything to your tank if your not testing for it. overdosing will do more harm then good

 

[Mark426]

Doing 30% water changes once a month is not enough IMHO. Do a 10%-20% each week, you and your tank will be much happier. If you keep up with this water change schedule...then will never have to dose anything at all. In nano tanks...the whole trick is WATER CHANGES.

 

[virginiadiver69]

I also opt for the smaller, weekly water change. When/if you start to add hard coral you may have to start dosing additional alk and calcium. Until then regular weekly water change should keep you in line.

 

[davidknulp]

Just add calcium and alkalinity should be OK..

 

[virginiadiver69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10270897#post10270897 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by davidknulp
Just add calcium and alkalinity should be OK..

Why would there be any need to supplement these beyond regular water changes. Unless there are stony corals in the tank that should not be needed, right?

 

[Davidb6]

Weely water change (10%) and B-Ionic is what I use for a 65. The B-Ionic make controling Alc and Cal pretty easy. The rest will be covered by the water changes.

 

[bertoni]

Some soft corals have a bit of a skeleton, and coralline algae can consume a lot of alkalinity. I have a soft coral tank that goes through a lot of calcium and carbonate.