Supplements ?

reefraj · #1 07/24/2007, 05:01 PM

How often do we ned to use the calcium and alkalinity supplement for reef and fish aquariums ?

bertoni · #2 07/24/2007, 05:02 PM

That varies from tank to tank. Some tanks are fine with weekly water changes, but most seem to require daily dosing. For fish-only tanks, calcium need only be supplemented if coralline growth is wanted, though.

papagimp · #3 07/24/2007, 05:03 PM

Depends how optimal you want your tank. Some do it weekly, but that leaves larger Ca and Alk swings throughout the week.
More go for daily additions, much better about minimizing swings. completely optimal would be to add as it's getting used up...but I havn't figured out that one yet

While these are important in both fish only and reef tanks, you'll have more consumption going on in a reef tank and therefore more often you'll have to dose these. Not nearly as often in a fish only aquarium.

WaterKeeper · #4 07/24/2007, 05:09 PM

And, as in all cases of using a supplement, do the proper testing to determine whether it is needed or not. Once you have run the test use this handy Supplement Calculator to determine the dose.

reefraj · #5 07/24/2007, 06:31 PM

Thank you all. Will check the levels. I just need to check and add Ca, alkali and strontium , right ?

bertoni · #6 07/24/2007, 06:40 PM

I wouldn't bother with strontium. There's no evidence that supplementation is useful. A check now and then for magnesium might be useful, though.

WaterKeeper · #7 07/25/2007, 02:32 PM

I second that Jonathan.

Savas · #8 07/26/2007, 09:36 AM

There are several great articles in the magazine archives on this - written by Randy Holmes-Farley, PhD. He is one smart and committed dude. If you are up on your basic chemistry (and sometimes your advanced chem), his articles are awesome.

I made his 2-part additive system (April 2004) and have never looked back. Great stuff and cheap to make.

drummereef · #9 07/26/2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefraj
How often do we ned to use the calcium and alkalinity supplement for reef and fish aquariums ?

You need to find out your consumption rate of alkalinity and calcium in a 24 hour period. Once you know that you can dose a measured amount, daily, to keep up with the demand. Use the calculator always that Waterkeeper posted.