How do I know what trace elements to dose?

[English Joe]

I'm going to be running a Protein Skimmer and reading the FAQs and stuff here sounds like the skimmer will remove a lot of good things from the water, and that I should add to replace. But how do I know what and how often?

[Masoch]

Hi,

 

Weekly water changes (dilutes the bad, replenishes the good) + alk and calcium (either through a 2-part combination like B-Ionic or my favourite, kalkwasser). That should cover you for everything.

 

I'm not joking. Most of the additives sold in the hobby don't do much other than separate us from our $$$. Use the search button -- this topic comes up often.

 

Just test your calcium and alk from time to time (every week or two) and adjust your dosages accordingly.