Esential additives

[fish 511]

Ok, wow, where to start. So I have a FOWLR tank right now (or trying at least) and am planning on getting some soft corals within the next month or two. So I go to my fish store and discover that I need to add all of those additives in those colorful bottles by kent marine. So my question is, what are the essential bottles of stuff that I need??

I was looking at this.. http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=KMC8At the bottom it says that "Substitutions are made by doubling up smaller products when there is not a listing in your size column." Does that mean that I can replace one bottle with another? Anyways, let me know what I need and what I have to buy...THANKS

[mwwhite]

We're still pretty new also but we only "dose" every morning using Dr. Randy Farley's recipe which can be found in the Reef Chemistry Forum.... we do not add any "additivies" based on research here that led us to believe that regular water change will suffice in replace important nutrients the tank and animals need.

We'll be interested in replies to your question from the more experienced folks here...

[fish 511]

Yeah, I am just a little bit confused about tha like calcium, calcium buffer, longosomething iodine...That stuff

[jer77]

I wouldn't suggest adding anything before getting test kits for what your adding. This way you know how much to put into your tank. I would suggest salifert test kits. The ones you basically need before adding stuff are the calcium and alkalinity tests. Then I would suggest getting ESV B-Ionic 2-part Ca/Alk supplement if you plan on having corals. B-Ionic is just like Randy's formula which can be found here http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php. There is also a calculator which tells you how much to add if you have to raise your calcium or alkalinity. Here it is http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Your thinking of Lugol's Iodine, which in my opinion is not necessary to add, especially if your not testing for it.

[fish 511]

Well I also have to get test kits for this stuff. Do I only need kits for calcium and alkalinity??

[fish 511]

I just checked and right now I have kits for Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, PH, alkalinity, and thats it...

[jer77]

Are you sure the alkalinity is for saltwater? What brand of kits are they. I'd suggest Salifert especially for calcium and alkalinity. I have other kits like for iodine, iodate or whatever it measures, but this is not necessary since I don't recommend adding iodine. I also have Mg, phosphate, oxygen and a few others but all you might need are the phosphate and Magnesium.

[drummereef]

Skip anything that says trace elements or of the like. Your tank will be replenished of all it needs with weekly water changes.

I would however look into a way to suppliment alkalinity and calcium. Start by buying a quality testkit, like Salifert, for the two. Then read this article. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm I personally use Randy's 2-part recipe and it works great for keep the alk/calcium up and in balance. Getting on an alk/calcium supplimentation is a must when keeping corals.

The other area of concern would be lighting. Many fowlr tanks, with stock n/o lighting aren't enough for some corals. Look into the corals you want to start keeping and build your lighting around that. ;)

[L and L]

I only add kalkwasser (calcium hydroxide or lime) and ro/di.

keep it simple.

[fish 511]

Ok, I am trying to make a list of the things I need to get, maybe you guys can help me out...
1. Calcium suppliments http://www.fishsupply.com/s9hkm-tca16.html
2. Alkalinity supplement (what is that stuff?)
3. Good Calcium test kit
4. Good Alkalinity suppliment
What else do I need? What exactly is kalkwasser? THANKS for the help