Is the GARF supplement recipe worth trying?

[homer]

I have read the supplements recipe on GARF and wanted to know if anyone has used this?

 

[homer]

All SeaChem products two tablespoons per 55gal. Reef Plus 2x/week, Reef Complete 2x/week,Reef Calcium 2x/week. For make up water they use SeaChem Reef Advantage Calcium(week 2),SeaChem Reef Builder(week 3) and SeaChem Reef Advantage Calcium(week 4). All one tablespoon per gal or make up water.

 

[liquid]

Sounds like a PITA if you ask me.

All I do is topoff with RO/DI water and use some kalkwasser periodically to precipitate phosphate and maintain calcium levels.

Shane

 

[NasotheHutt]

Used to do that, waste of time. All I add is the buffers, and drip kalk.

 

[homer]

I live near the gulf (crystal clear water)would I be better off just doing a 5-10% water change two times a month with natural sea water? Would I still need to add kalk?

 

[liquid]

What recipe? Need to be more specific.

Shane

 

[SteveP]

Crystal clear or not, I'd filter it and run a skimmer o it for a couple of days just to be safe. You should also test the water for nitrates and phosphates to make sure there aren't any run-off contaminants. I'd also keep dripping the kalk.

Steve
8{I

 

[Ben1]

To properly collect your own NSW you must go far off the coast in a boat.

How can garf estimate how much CA?ALK your tank uses up? Nobody can give set way to add additives to your tank. It really depends on supply and demand. I also just top off all evap with RO/DI Kalkwasser, no other additives are needed for me as long as I keep up with the water changes.

 

[scavdog]

FWIW,

I collect NSW. However I live outside Boston. Yep "love that dirty water" etc etc !
IMO you need not have a boat. Be sure to filter the water with carbon for a week or so, keeping the water in the dark. For added measure you can add an ozonizer.

Here is a picture of a 1 year old tank using NSW from the Boston area. Proof is in the puddin!

HTH,