reef calcium, carbonate, iodide

[mike90]

The guy I bought live rock from about 2 weeks ago was recommending I start using the Seachem Reef Builder, Reef Advantage, and the Iodide to keep the live rock healthy. He said to add each chemical every other day. I just wanted to see if everyone else who has live rock does the same thing. Should I test my Alkalinity and Calcium before I start this?

 

[Ruth1]

I think you should always check your levels before you add anything. How else will you know if you need it? Overdosing can be as bad as having low levels. With only live rock you are not going to be using much calcium so you may be able to keep everything fine with water changes depending on what salt you are using.

 

[Anonymous]

Definately test anything you're going to dose.

I have absolutely no idea what Iodide could do to benefit rock but as long as you don't exceed NSW Iodide levels it won't hurt. Typical NSW levels of Iodide are 0.01-0.02ppm.

Keep in mind that a study a few years ago showed that the typical reef tank has levels already much higher than natural sea water without dosing and most test kits for Iodide have an error factor greater than the natural level of Iodide.