Supplements...

[Reefer420]

One more question! I was wondering about a dosing schedule for my tank supplements. Since my rock really is covered in macro algae, bivales, feather worms, sponges, and other filter feeders I figure I need to add some supplements to the tank.

So far I have been adding either Phyto or SeaChem Reef Builder to the tank every other day. Should this be enough- or should I alternate every day? I have read that in order to keep their TBS rock 'alive' they sometimes double the dose of any supplements they add!

I also purchased Kent Nano parts A&B- how do I know I should add this or not? And how often?

Thanks again!

 

[jackson6745]

Reefer, as a rule of thumb you shouldn't add anything unless you test for it. Don't worry about keping your rock 'alive', that happens naturally in a healthy reef.

I believe seachem reefbuilder raises calcium, if you only add calcium chances are your Alkalinity is VERY low. You need to maintain a balance between the two.


There is so much info I can tell you I don't know where to start

You should list EVERYthing about your setup and we'll start there

 

[Reefer420]

Sorry- i got Reef Plus, not reef builder... they have this written about it

Reef Plus?is a full spectrum supplement of trace components such as iodide, bromide, molybdenum, iron, manganese, cobalt, potassium, inositol, choline; important vitamins such as C and B12; and beneficial amino acids, such as cysteine, proline, glycine, alanine, lysine. It may be used as a food supplement

I don't think this and phyto should cause any problems, right?

 

[Deanos]

Like Rich said, you shouldn't need to supplement trace elements unless you are testing for them. Dosing phyto for the sake of the live rock may eventually lead to algal growth problems above and beyond what's growing on the rock. Provide us with a list of your fish and coral and you'll receive a more tank-specific answer.

 

[Reefer420]

Well so far just what I listed above- macro algae, bivales, feather worms, sponges, and other filter feeders . Will be getting my cleaning crew shortly- which I really can't wait for. My tank will have zoos, shrooms, blastos, and other softies and LPS. So what happens if I don't dose at least the phyto? Do you think the filter feeders will still get enough to eat? It seems like most people who end up getting TBS LR end up dosing w/ phyto and cyclopeeze, etc. at least a couple of times a week in order to keep everything alive.

 

[jackson6745]

Reefer, we need to know your filtration + lighting and any other equipment that you are running on your tank to give you proper advice.

 

[Reefer420]

Here's a basic breakdown- thanks for the help!

16g AGA bowfront w/ stand
80w Orbit 20" PC fixture
Remora Skimmer w/ Maxijet 1200
Aqua Clear 70 Filter (w/o any media)
Ice Probe Chiller (installed in AquaClear lid)
3 Tunze Universal pumps (Mini 5024.04 - from premiumaquatics.com)
Auto Top Off Unit from (www.californiareefs.com)
150w Proheat II Titanium Heater

 

[Sean]

nice setup
Do you test for anything? like calcium, P.H., Alk, Nitrate?

 

[jackson6745]

What I would do for your setup:

test for calcium and alkalinity using salifert tetskits, maintain both using b-ionic additives.

test for nitrate and phosphate (salifert testkits) keep them in check with your skimmer and water changes. Water changes also replenish whatever minerals you may be doing, so i would stop dosing.

To help keep water quality in check I would not feed the whole tank phyto or CE, but rather target feed certain corals in small amounts.

Once again, don't stress about the life on your rocks, its a lot hardier than you think and will do well in a clean healthy tank.


HTH,
Rich

 

[Reefer420]

Thanks for the help! I have been testing and everything seems fine for now. When would you recommend Phyto as a supplement then? Is there really no reason to use it, or is it just for spot feeding as needed?

 

[alrha]

I believe seachem reefbuilder raises calcium

it is actually carbonate (Alk) R. Adv. Calcium is for Ca.
Reef Builder raises Alk without raising pH.

 

[Sean]

Thanks for the help! I have been testing and everything seems fine for now. When would you recommend Phyto as a supplement then? Is there really no reason to use it, or is it just for spot feeding as needed?

I would spot feed. The advice jackson gave you is good sound advice. I would use ESV bi-ionic also some iodine, magnesium and strontium all from ESV.

I like ESV they make a great product that stands the test of time.