Need Extensive Info, What Do Softies Need to Thrive

Bmgrocks · 01/20/2007, 12:21 PM

New to the Saltwater Scene, but have been doing my research. Keep up on my water changes, 20%weekly, yes a bit much. Specs are located in my Signature

Want to keep Softies, ie: Xenia, Zoas, Mushrooms, Leather, Frogspawn, and Hammer.

What do these seemingly Beginner Species Need to Thrive.

Do I have the Right Set Up

What Chemical Additives do I need/you Reccomend. (reef bulider, trace elements etc.)

Supplies(Improvements etc.)

kau_cinta_ku · 01/20/2007, 12:26 PM

your setup looks great for those corals.

no need to add anything to the tank, your weekly water changes will do all you need

JamesJR · 01/20/2007, 01:37 PM

The lighting you have sounds fine for these corals and the current is probably fine too.

As you stated, water changes are quite a bit and that will do a whole lot. Honestly I don't think you will need to add any supplements at first. Water changes will be more than enough to keep up for a few months.

After years of experience, I have just stopped using lots of supplements. I would buy some good salifert test kits for Calcium, Magnesium and Alkalinity and keep those levels up. Use a 2 part additive for calcium and alkalinity, either B-ionic or just make your own with the recipes in the chemistry forum. It is easy to do and is all you need. I don't think there is much of any reason to dose trace elements, Iodine, strontium or any of that other stuff.

Randall_James · 01/20/2007, 01:48 PM

No such thing as a "bit much" on water changes. I like JR do not supplement my tanks with anything other than a 2 part for my sps and kalk for topoff. All the other supplement simply are not needed with adequate water changes IME. (I do a minimum 25% weekly). Yes it costs money for salt and water but I do not have to pay for supplements or the test kits they require. I think it works out in the end to be about the same costs and I think my water chemical balance is far better than if I am trying to add this junk to my tank.

01/20/2007, 12:21 PM	#1
Bmgrocks Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,006	Need Extensive Info, What Do Softies Need to Thrive New to the Saltwater Scene, but have been doing my research. Keep up on my water changes, 20%weekly, yes a bit much. Specs are located in my Signature Want to keep Softies, ie: Xenia, Zoas, Mushrooms, Leather, Frogspawn, and Hammer. What do these seemingly Beginner Species Need to Thrive. Do I have the Right Set Up What Chemical Additives do I need/you Reccomend. (reef bulider, trace elements etc.) Supplies(Improvements etc.)

01/20/2007, 01:37 PM	#3
JamesJR Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,733	The lighting you have sounds fine for these corals and the current is probably fine too. As you stated, water changes are quite a bit and that will do a whole lot. Honestly I don't think you will need to add any supplements at first. Water changes will be more than enough to keep up for a few months. After years of experience, I have just stopped using lots of supplements. I would buy some good salifert test kits for Calcium, Magnesium and Alkalinity and keep those levels up. Use a 2 part additive for calcium and alkalinity, either B-ionic or just make your own with the recipes in the chemistry forum. It is easy to do and is all you need. I don't think there is much of any reason to dose trace elements, Iodine, strontium or any of that other stuff. __________________ Just when I thought you couldn't be any dumber you go and do something like this....And totally redeem yourself! Current Tank Info: 20 gallon

01/20/2007, 01:48 PM	#4
Randall_James Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,727	No such thing as a "bit much" on water changes. I like JR do not supplement my tanks with anything other than a 2 part for my sps and kalk for topoff. All the other supplement simply are not needed with adequate water changes IME. (I do a minimum 25% weekly). Yes it costs money for salt and water but I do not have to pay for supplements or the test kits they require. I think it works out in the end to be about the same costs and I think my water chemical balance is far better than if I am trying to add this junk to my tank. __________________ "It's a dog eat dog world and I feel like I am wearing milkbone underwear"

01/20/2007, 12:26 PM	#2
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	your setup looks great for those corals. no need to add anything to the tank, your weekly water changes will do all you need