Additives

alexk3954 · 05/11/2006, 07:10 PM

What additives do I need when I only have LR in the tank. I don't want all the coraline to die, so I think I will add calcium and alkalinity. What would be the best way of keeping these levels constant, I was thinking B-ionic. Any other additives that I need?

MiddletonMark · 05/11/2006, 07:18 PM

IMO, those two should be all you need.

I run all my tanks with just those two - and provided good flow + water quality, should have luck with it.

In my experience, I get better coralline under VHO or PC than under intense MH - though all will grow it [sometimes different kinds too

]. Time, good water quality, flow, and Ca/Alk supplimented to NSW levels should set you up right. [provided some sort of coralline on something to start with].

Paintbug · 05/11/2006, 07:36 PM

first you will need to test your levels. calcium, alkalinity and magnesium all play a part in coralline growth. however, if you dont have any corals using up those elements, or atleast not quickly, theres no reason to add anything. just do your normal water changes and the coralline should be fine!

MiddletonMark · 05/11/2006, 07:52 PM

100% agree on testing.

There's no reason to add anything until you test, as you have no idea what you'd need [or how much to add, how often].

But once testing has established where your levels are [and IME Ca/Alk are vital] ... then time to suppliment. I've not found to have lots of Magnesium issues - and thus only test now + then or if something seems off [or Ca/Alk problems].
Then again, others have

05/11/2006, 07:10 PM	#1
alexk3954 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 374	Additives What additives do I need when I only have LR in the tank. I don't want all the coraline to die, so I think I will add calcium and alkalinity. What would be the best way of keeping these levels constant, I was thinking B-ionic. Any other additives that I need?

05/11/2006, 07:18 PM	#2
MiddletonMark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 14,441	IMO, those two should be all you need. I run all my tanks with just those two - and provided good flow + water quality, should have luck with it. In my experience, I get better coralline under VHO or PC than under intense MH - though all will grow it [sometimes different kinds too ]. Time, good water quality, flow, and Ca/Alk supplimented to NSW levels should set you up right. [provided some sort of coralline on something to start with]. __________________ read a lot, think for yourself Current Tank Info: 58g stony reef [250w10k, 250w 20k MH, 2x vho act, Octopus150, 6060 + 6000] ; 60g mixed tub

05/11/2006, 07:36 PM	#3
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	first you will need to test your levels. calcium, alkalinity and magnesium all play a part in coralline growth. however, if you dont have any corals using up those elements, or atleast not quickly, theres no reason to add anything. just do your normal water changes and the coralline should be fine! __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

05/11/2006, 07:52 PM	#4
MiddletonMark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 14,441	100% agree on testing. There's no reason to add anything until you test, as you have no idea what you'd need [or how much to add, how often]. But once testing has established where your levels are [and IME Ca/Alk are vital] ... then time to suppliment. I've not found to have lots of Magnesium issues - and thus only test now + then or if something seems off [or Ca/Alk problems]. Then again, others have __________________ read a lot, think for yourself Current Tank Info: 58g stony reef [250w10k, 250w 20k MH, 2x vho act, Octopus150, 6060 + 6000] ; 60g mixed tub