What additives do you use?

[jjgina]

I just started my first reef tank and after doing alot of research and visiting alot of forums I was under the impression that the only additives that I will be needing is calcium, and recharging my DSB every two years or so.

I was wondering what kind of additives you people use and what kind of benefit you've seen from it.

I saw some stuff called Chemi-Pure at LFS and wondered if it would be beneficial to my tank (still cycling)?

[scubadude]

Hi jjgina

I think all systems are different of course, but my additives are food for my fish/corals, DT's phytoplankton, my CA reac. takes care of the calcium, and once in a blue moon I will squirt some iodine in the tank (especially when im fragging). I have tried other things but nothing that I would try again.

[bongobrian]

First step- purchase test kits for your water. Then after you test for certain things, you will know if your water is in need of certain things. Calcium is something you will always be adding if you have corals and algea that are using it up. You will still want a test kit for calcium just to make sure your water has the appropriate levels. You're probably going to want to get some PH buffer of some kind and a PH test kit. Iodine is also critical. You're probably going to need something to maintain the alkalinity as well. Aside from adding things to your tank, there are many things you will be trying to keep out of your water. I'm sure you will try many different products and techniques until you settle on one combination. I don't know if any of us have gotten everything right the first time around. Good luck!

Oh and don't forget to add salt to the water!

Welcome to Reefland!

[saltjunkie]

I use B-Ionic, iodine, and..... sometimes esv phytoplancton,
Rick

[alf3482]

I feed my tanks the following. Food, Dt's, Kalk. I only supplement Alk and Ca. additives when the test say i need to. That is not very often as the kalk is doing a great job. I use to use every thing i could get my hands on. But over time i have learned that some times less is better. as said before test your water and the tank will let you know what you need.

[rayjay]

I too think less is better. I dose kalk nightly, feed heavy twice a day, and now do frequent water changes weekly or bi-weekly, mostly bi-weekly.
10% and 20% respectively.

[clown-t]

i have a 75gal sps and claim tank. i recommond reef solution. i use a cal reactor and iodine too.