Trace Elements 1,2,3 & 4 questions

[dtaylor123]

I have the Trace Elements 1,2,3 & 4 and I stopped using it. I think maybe I used it before I should have. My tank is 18 months old and with the sump and frag tank I have about 200 gallons. I was dosing 20 ml of each weekly, but the issue is, maybe my tank has more nutrients than it should for using the trace products. If my phosephate isn't at 0 or close to it, I shouldn't add any of the trace elements, correct? Can dosing really hurt my tank if it's not nutrients free? My nitrate is < 4 and the phosphate I have not measured yet, waiting on a kit. After using it, my tank browned out, was it just a coinidence or was that the cause?

Dan

[ReefRockerLive]

Dan, the effectiveness of the PowerTrace bottles is determined by the amount of nutrients in the tank. It is likely that your nutrients are high since you've noticed a brown out. It's a good idea to hold off on the trace elements until you get your nutrients under control. What are you currently dosing into your tank?

When you test for PO4 use the heat test, because it unbinds the PO4 giving you a more accurate reading.

When you get your current tank parameters, post it and then we can get a better picture of your tank.

[dtaylor123]

Reefroker- thanks for the response, I will test today and give you the results. Your advice is appreciated.

Dan