When do you start adding additives?

[SPotter]

I am just starting my cycle and was wondering when you do you start putting additives into the tank?

[phenom5]

What additives are you looking to use?

[Allmost]

you basically need to test for KH, Ca and MG and dose if those go lower.

what are you planning to keep in ure tank ? in terms of corals

[SPotter]

not sure which ones yet but just wondering when to start. Planning on building a mixed reef so I have been looking at calcium buffer, DT's premium reef blend and Ecosytems Reef Solution.

[phenom5]

I would recommend a good 2-part (Ca & Alk --B-Ionic, C-Balance, BRS 2 part), and a Mg supplement if you need it.

Allmost hit the nail on the head. The only way to know when to start is to test for it.

You may be able to get away with a good quality salt mix, and no additives. Depends on your tank's demands.

[SPotter]

Originally Posted by Allmost

you basically need to test for KH, Ca and MG and dose if those go lower.

what are you planning to keep in ure tank ? in terms of corals

I am not 100% sure about what I will keep, but this is what I am thinking so far...

Button Polyp
Yellow Colony Polyp
Hairy Mushroom Coral
Bullseye Mushroom Coral
Silver Branch Xenia
Starburst Polyps
Cauliflower Colt Coral
Taro Tree Coral
Toadstool Mushroom Leather
Spaghetti Finger Leather

I have had fish only tanks in the past and this is my first reef tank so I am trying to got with beginner type corals. Please let me know if I am off on any of these or if there are other corals you would suggest.

[phenom5]

With that list, I would stick to regular water changes with decent quality salt. That should do just fine.

[Allmost]

Originally Posted by SPotter

I am not 100% sure about what I will keep, but this is what I am thinking so far...

Button Polyp
Yellow Colony Polyp
Hairy Mushroom Coral
Bullseye Mushroom Coral
Silver Branch Xenia
Starburst Polyps
Cauliflower Colt Coral
Taro Tree Coral
Toadstool Mushroom Leather
Spaghetti Finger Leather

I have had fish only tanks in the past and this is my first reef tank so I am trying to got with beginner type corals. Please let me know if I am off on any of these or if there are other corals you would suggest.

yea you will not need to DOSE for anything if going with soft corals.

you may have to dose KH over time (do test this all the time) and u can add baking soda for that, but READ on dosing KH. basically test your KH now and keep testing daily till it drops then add a bit of baking soda solved in ro/di water.

as of foods, I'm not too sure as I do not feed my corals, I feed my fish and my corals eat the fish poop

[SPotter]

Originally Posted by Allmost

yea you will not need to DOSE for anything if going with soft corals.

you may have to dose KH over time (do test this all the time) and u can add baking soda for that, but READ on dosing KH. basically test your KH now and keep testing daily till it drops then add a bit of baking soda solved in ro/di water.

as of foods, I'm not too sure as I do not feed my corals, I feed my fish and my corals eat the fish poop

So I shouldnt worry too much about it right now but if I ever feel comfortable to go with hard corals then I should be more concerned about dosing.

Thank you for your answers and help. I have been away from the hobby for a long time and so much has changed over the years.

[shifty51008]

yes, if you ever start to get alot of hard corals then you will prob. have to dose but again always test before you dose, if you dose without testing you can overdose and that can cause more harm then not dosing at all.