How do you know to dose trace elements?

[VW_TDI_02]

In the last few months I've started getting into SPS corals and so far have gotten amazing growth. Right now I have 2 acros, 4 monti caps, 2 digis, and a birdsnest and they're all doing well. The only thing I dose is 4 teaspoons of kalkwasser in my 5 gallon ATO. How do you know when you should start dosing trace elements as well? So far I'm doing a 9-10 gallon water change every Sunday and between that and the kalkwasser I can maintain my Ca at 445 and my Alk at 10.5. My magnesium also stays at around 1300. When I do water changes I use regular Instant Ocean and then raise the Ca and Mg to the above levels using BRS calcium chloride and epsom salts respectively. So should I start dosing trace elements and if so, how do I know?

 

Tank:

20 gallon long display with 20 gallon long sump

All but one monti cap are in the sump on a frag rack under a PAR38 bulb (12x3 watt LEDs).

BRS reactor with carbon and GFO mixed

SCA-301 Skimmer

Display tank has 2xT5HO and a Current Orbit Marine (30% white, 100% blue)

 

[seabass]

You shouldn't have to buy test kits for, and dose trace elements. However, some two part additives also contain trace elements which are typically consumed, but water changes and feeding should be enough without additional dosing.

[VW_TDI_02]

You shouldn't have to buy test kits for, and dose trace elements. However, some two part additives also contain trace elements which are typically consumed, but water changes and feeding should be enough without additional dosing.

That's what I was thinking but I wasn't really sure. The stuff I dose doesn't have any sort of trace elements and is just the bare/basic supplements. Just wasn't sure if there was a way to know about the trace elements other than sending water off to triton for some testing.

[HarryPotter]

That's what I was thinking but I wasn't really sure. The stuff I dose doesn't have any sort of trace elements and is just the bare/basic supplements. Just wasn't sure if there was a way to know about the trace elements other than sending water off to triton for some testing.

I'm just curious- which trace elements are you referring to? Like Potassium, iron, and Strontium?

 

Don't water changes make up for the depletion of those trace elements?

[12_egg_Omelette]

i would recommend getting a salt that's closer to what you want, your parameters to be. Makes it easier to just do a 1 liter water change.

[VW_TDI_02]

I'm just curious- which trace elements are you referring to? Like Potassium, iron, and Strontium?

 

Don't water changes make up for the depletion of those trace elements?

I was referring to the supplements like the one in the link below. Yes, water changes should replace some trace elements but how do we know if that is no longer enough?

 

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-sea-coral-colors-abcd-4-pack.html

 

i would recommend getting a salt that's closer to what you want, your parameters to be. Makes it easier to just do a 1 liter water change.

So far I haven't really found one that I would like. Reef Crystals and RSCP are the ones I looked at and they both have their problems. So far this salt has worked really well and it's incredibly simple to dose the new water. 75ml of BRS solution and 45 grams of epsom salts.

[seabass]

Strontium and iodine are are pretty common. If you decide to dose, do so based on tests; then monitor levels to ensure they remain within range. Too many people buy and dose supplements without knowing if their water is even low in these elements. This doesn't usually cause immediate problems, but they can eventually build up to dangerous levels. The recommended dosages on the bottles often make assumptions of coral types, density, filtration, etc (most of which won't match your specific tank). Typically, you are much better off without ever dosing these elements.

[VW_TDI_02]

Strontium and iodine are are pretty common. If you decide to dose, do so based on tests; then monitor levels to ensure they remain within range. Too many people buy and dose supplements without knowing if their water is even low in these elements. This doesn't usually cause immediate problems, but they can eventually build up to dangerous levels. The recommended dosages on the bottles often make assumptions of coral types, density, filtration, etc (most of which won't match your specific tank). Typically, you are much better off without ever dosing these elements.

So I guess that means more test kits, lol. Oh, what about other supplements such as Acropower?

[12_egg_Omelette]

I was referring to the supplements like the one in the link below. Yes, water changes should replace some trace elements but how do we know if that is no longer enough?

 

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-sea-coral-colors-abcd-4-pack.html

 

So far I haven't really found one that I would like. Reef Crystals and RSCP are the ones I looked at and they both have their problems. So far this salt has worked really well and it's incredibly simple to dose the new water. 75ml of BRS solution and 45 grams of epsom salts.

Yeah not a fan of RSCP, I find that it does allow for good growth but the colors are often dull. Red Sea has a whole coral care program but I would be careful with that. I had a buddy who was following it to the letter and it crashed his tank hardcore.

 

I also agree on not dosing anything you don't test for.

[seabass]

Oh, what about other supplements such as Acropower?

Amino acids are a little different (sort of like dosing vitamins or even phytoplankton). Sometimes it is warranted, but often your corals will get sufficient amounts from food. Dosing amino acids can be required for ultra low nutrient (carbon dosed) systems. But like anything, just buying stuff (even food) and dosing it, without a plan or reason, can be a recipe for failure.

[12_egg_Omelette]

I love aqua vitro fuel, I've had amazing growth and my color is outstanding on zoas and SPS.