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01/20/2014, 06:26 PM | #1 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Whittier, CA
Posts: 152
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Which test kits and nutrients?
The tank finished cycling a few weeks ago and I'm already fed up with the hydrometer. So I'm tossing it and getting a refractometer. While I'm at it I might as well prepare for getting corals.... Which test kits would I need if I am adding say liquid calcium, Strontium and Molybdenum, and Iodine?
I have the regular sw api test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph) and using ro/di water my goal is a mixed reef |
01/20/2014, 06:29 PM | #2 |
Moved On
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 217
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Calcium,Alkalinity, Magnesium, and a Nitrate and Phosphate test kit is good to have a well. Don't start adding any supplements yet.
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01/20/2014, 06:49 PM | #4 |
-RT * ln(k)
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Little Rock
Posts: 9,705
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Calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium are the holy trinity of coral.
Nitrate and phosphate are good to have around to watch water quality and make sure you don't start an algae farm. The trace elements you listed aren't really an issue if you're doing any sort of water changes. And dosing and measuring those is a real PITA to get right. They're best left alone unless you find you have a problem that seems to be related to one or a particular animal (certain gorgonians and iodine) that has particular needs.
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David Current Tank: Undergoing reconstruction... |
01/20/2014, 08:24 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Whittier, CA
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which nutrients would you recommend? I was just looking on amazon and found the kents reef starter kit, probably won't buy it then. I'm doing regular water changes with instant ocean salt mix. Could I just switch over to reef crystals instead of dosing?
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01/20/2014, 08:29 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 17,691
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Reef Crystals is a good swap for IO. It has more magnesium than the IO salt. The general rule is that you don't dose anything you can't test for. Generally the frequent water change will replenish the trace elements.
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Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders. |
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