Reef Aquarium Supplement Additives & Testing

[allstarlaxplaya4]

I have a 28 gallon reef tank and most of the Kent Marine line of products and trace elements. I am currently doing weekly water changes of around 3-4 gallons. How often do you recommend I add trace elements and the Kent Marine Nano part A/B to the tank?

[newyorksteelo]

@allstarlaxplaya4 Follow the directions in the back of the bottle to a "T" and you should have no issues. Good luck.

[newyorksteelo]

@Oscellaris Yes it does in minor concentrations.

[jaguars4263]

Yes i have watched it, but should i dose with alkalinity to bring the calcium down when my alkalinity levels are fine?? I havent been dosing with calcium in my tank for awhile i think my salt is very high with it! Im using kent reef salt.Is there anyway in the near future you can do a video on just PH?? Sorry for bothering you so much :)

[newyorksteelo]

@jaguars4263 I cover the dosing information on that cal and alk video buddy. I will be doing a detailed video oh PH problems and solutions in the near future so stay tuned.

[jaguars4263]

Hey quick question. my calcium level is very high its at 540 and my DKH is at 9 how can i bring down my calcium? Also i asked you about 3 weeks ago how to up my PH and you said open my windows the PH is still at 8.0 anything you suggest i should do. Thanks for the help!

[newyorksteelo]

@jaguars4263 Visit my video titled "Reef Aquarium Calcium & Alkalinity - How It Works" to find the answers you seek.

[DirtyRican007]

Thanks for the pointer it makes sense but I also saw this video and so I decided to go get a more complex test kit and what do you know my other parameters where all over the place so I went out and bought about 200 dollars worth of additives and I can almost see a difference in the behavior of my live stock. Thanks again like they I we never stop learning !!!!

[newyorksteelo]

@DirtyRican007 Wow, 200 bucks worth of additives, i dont know buddy. Good luck.

[DirtyRican007]

@newyorksteelo I bought everything in large amounts plus there was two test kits in that purchase but don't worry I'm not crazy I didn't just go out buy all this and threw it in the tank. I tested first and I am slowly adding everything that is missing in my system. Most of what I bought I don't need right now but like you said it is not bad to have them at hand. I tested this morning and everything is looking better and my pets are doing better !!!!

[newyorksteelo]

@DirtyRican007 I hear ya. Good luck.

[DirtyRican007]

So I'm having issues with my pH and no matter what I do I can't get it higher than 7.4. I have a 55Gal. with a 20Gal. sump with refugium and protien skimmer what could I get or do to get this up some!!!

[newyorksteelo]

@DirtyRican007 There are lots of reasons for low PH in marine aquariums. Overfeeding, high decomposition, lack of oxygen, low alkalinity levels, not opening your windows to let fresh air into your home, cooking close to the tank, smoking in the house and not opening your windows, the list just goes on and on. You can also visit my video titled "Reef Aquarium Calcium & Alkalinity - How It Works" to further help you fix this issue, but you must also fix the above mentioned. Good luck.

[Sisco296]

Steelo put simply: what animals that go into a marine aqaurium should I be careful handling? What precautions do I take around these animals?

[newyorksteelo]

@Sisco296 All animals require a high level of care, handling, and proper acclimation.

[bobbonecrusher]

also wat are your iodine and strotium reedings with the miracle mud after this length of time.

[newyorksteelo]

@bobbonecrusher I do not test for these. I simply go by how the tank is doing and the color of the corals.

[bobbonecrusher]

ar'nt you due to do a change on the miricle mud

[newyorksteelo]

@bobbonecrusher Yes, I already recently did the change and will cover it in a future video. This is one of the the reasons why I said that I made a big change to the sump in some of my most recent videos and will be covering that soon :)

[blazin068]

Ok so what is a good/safe range for calcium level in a mix reef and fish aquarium? My book says between 400 and 500. I'm sitting at 460. My PH is alittle low I just dosed it. Sitting at a 8.0 have to wait a week or so to dose again.

[newyorksteelo]

@blazin068 What book is that? You have to understand that calcium has a direct relationship with alkalinity and so the higher the calcium, the lower the alkalinity so you have to keep both balanced together in their respective levels similar to that found in nature. Please visit my video titled "Reef Aquarium Calcium & Alkalinity - How It Works" to find the answers you seek. Calcium levels above 450 - 460 are not recommended. Good luck.

[rlbdlbmab]

great vid now heres a crazy question in my fresh water aquarioms i can use baking soda to jack the ph up around 8.4 but from what i hear you dont want to use it in reef tanks because it will cause a crazy algae outbreak now im not completly against supplement additives i just dont like to use chemicals that i dont understand (ph buffer) but do you know of any natural ways to get the ph up to the higher levels im stuck at 7.8 and 8.0 and some of my corals doing good but could be doing better

[newyorksteelo]

@rlbdlbmab This can be used in saltwater as well, but is a temporary solution to a long term problem. Does it work, yes, but only momentarily cause the PH will drop back again within 24 hours. You statement about using PH buffers is one that I agree with when it comes to saltwater because the use of such buffer would have a negative affect on the calcium levels, but for freshwater, a buffer is safe to use with no serious ill effect. I have a detailed video on using cal & alk use on my video list

[varmman]

Do you know how to treat Pop-eye disease or way to handle it? :( some sources advices to to just leave the fish as it will cure by time and some advices to give a brief bath for the afflicted fish in a certain solution...what do you reckon? please help me,my Saifin is in danger! :(

[newyorksteelo]

@varmman From my understanding, there is no medicated cure for Pop Eye out there. In some cases, it can cure on its own given that you provide the fish with a stable home and excellent water parameters. Not a deadly disease but highly unsightly. Good luck.

[MrPeacfulwarrior]

love your videos mate, keep it up!

[newyorksteelo]

@MrPeacfulwarrior Thank you. Don't forget to give my videos a thumbs up.

[calbileo]

@newyorksteelo so you said you do not use all of these supplements because you are experimenting, *which one's do you really use?* I'm going to get Kent Coral-Vite, Kent Essential Elements, B-ionic Calcium 2-part buffer, Kent Purple Tech, and Kent Tech M Magnesium. + Calcium, Alkalinity, High-range PH test kits. (LFS tests the rest of water parameters! :)

[newyorksteelo]

@calbileo I stated I was experimenting with using miracle mud which is why I did not dose these for a while, but when I do dose, I use the exact same ones you see in this video.

[abreezeducttesting]

Steelo,

Api test kit is what use also ...but I just found out that some nitrate test in nitrate-nitrogen and some test in nitrate-ion which is true nitrate, but I don't know which ones are good.? Thanks

[newyorksteelo]

@abreezeducttesting I believe you might be reading a bit too much into it. A simple Nitrate test kit should be enough to give you a ball park reading on your levels in the tank and lead you in the right direction. Good luck.

[pmkrz25]

Do u add these element directly to your display tank or do u add them in your sump

[newyorksteelo]

@pmkrz25 I do not have a sump below with this tank and so I simply dose them directly in front of the MP10 . Always dose your system in direct water flow. Good luck.

[pmkrz25]

@newyorksteelo Hey thanks mate........

[MyBobbob12]

can you overdose your system

[newyorksteelo]

@MyBobbob12 Yes, absolutely. Always follow the recommendations in the bottle or you may very well overdose and poison your inhabitants. Good luck.

[ifUdidwoodU]

great video now i need to get essential elements

[newyorksteelo]

@ifUdidwoodU Thank you. This product will work wonders for you. Keep up the good work :)

[bcbone13]

which products are most essential to my corals ....

[newyorksteelo]

@bcbone13 The ones you see in this video, as well as Calcium & Alkalinity additives.

[Timoregan79]

Love your videos. Keep it up. You really helped me with my 800ltr system.

[newyorksteelo]

@Timoregan79 :)

[allSaLTwater]

what do u use for a phosphate remover

[newyorksteelo]

@allSaLTwater A Phosban Reactor with RowaPhos Media.

[blackreef13]

Hey steelo, lets say im starting a nano 10 gallon display and 10 gallon refugium total 20 gallons do you think it could be substained with 10 % water changes a week or do i have to dose stuff?

[newyorksteelo]

@blackreef13 You can rely on water changes but only because there is not much at all you can add to this small tank. 1 fish and like 2 corals is what I would add to such a small tank. If you add 2 fish your corals will suffer. These 2 fish got to poo once to throw the parameters out of whack so overstocking a small tank is not a good idea, unless you dont mind loosing some corals until you master it. Nano reefs should only be for experienced hobbyist. Good luck.

[blackreef13]

@newyorksteelo

i know it can be hard to master but im ready for the challenge right now im buying everything i need thanks for your view on the new build i appriciate that you answer everyones questions with full honesty kudos eventually i wanted it to end up somewhat like FONZiEownzU 10 gallon really great channel you should check his tank out if you havent happy 4th to you

[newyorksteelo]

@blackreef13 Oh, one of my students lol. Look at some of his earlier videos and check the comments below. He has been asking me questions and watches my videos also way back when i released my Bionic calcium and alkalinity videos. Happy 4th to you too :)

[70gallonfishtank]

hey steelo, i have a green montipora, but it has lost its white rim and is yellowish with no polyps extended, what does this mean?

[newyorksteelo]

@70gallonfishtank Check your water parameters :)

[Springs24]

Thanks!

[newyorksteelo]

@Springs24 Anytime!

[Springs24]

Have u seen the SeaChem tests? They are awesome, they don't use glass viles...they have this white multi-cavity tray, which makes it so efficient to see the color, etc.

[newyorksteelo]

@Springs24 I have used them many a times and basically got the same results as the API, but both were up to date. Have used Seachem. API, Salifert, Red Sea, and Ellos. The Salifert ones were the best and most accurate as stated in the video, but the API will do the job and give you a ball park figure :)

[Springs24]

API was wrong...LFS tested my water

[newyorksteelo]

@Springs24 :)

[Springs24]

I returned the API kit cuz it gave bad readings...PH - API 7.8 SeaChem 8.3...NITRATES were also over stated on the API kit...

[newyorksteelo]

@Springs24 Hmm, hard to say which one is right and which is not, unless you use another API test and Another Seachem. All in all, if it works for you and you are happy with it, that's all that matters :)

[Springs24]

SeaChem makes nice test kits...I hate API kits

[newyorksteelo]

@Springs24 Both will work, although not as accurate as a scientific lab test, but pretty close to know whats going on in the system. Thanks for sharing that :)

[jjs1885]

good info like always just wanted to add to anyone that doesn't already know if you run carbon in your system 24/7 you will need to add your trace elements more often and for test kits i use red sea pro test kits the foundation pro multi test Kit ca kh mg is great

[newyorksteelo]

@jjs1885 Yes, I agree. Carbon has the tendency to strip the water of heavy metals some of which are beneficial to the system. Dosing is very important for coral reefs. Thanks for sharing that.

[TheReefProject]

ive been using KENT CORAL ACCEL for about a week and it literally perked up my corals. they stay open longer, they look healthier, and my acan frags have two new heads forming and my pagoda coral has several new heads. just thought id share and sorry for commenting on so many of ur vids but i just found them and find them really helpful to fellow reefers. keep up the good work!

[newyorksteelo]

@TheReefProject Sounds like you are on the right track. Keep up the good work as well :)

[mic2damgood]

how do i grow coralline alge?

[newyorksteelo]

@mic2damgood You must seed the tank with it by using a piece of live rock containing Coraline algae. You will also need to keep your calcium and alkalinity levels where they need to be. I have a detailed video on this as well on my video list. Good luck.

[CrazyFishFreak]

where did you get the magnesium and calcium i want to buy some but cant find it on the internet

[newyorksteelo]

@CrazyFishFreak These products are sold everywhere buddy :)

[millerbrett72]

Im going to go to college for marine bioligy in less thn a year i cnt now cuz im iin hghschool still but i kno wat school and everything i hve the grades and $ for it too........... if i succeed i will look at ur water if u send it personally new york steelo ur videos are so imformative ive learned so mucha and for free its awesome and u deserve a favor

[newyorksteelo]

@millerbrett72 Thanks for the suggestion and good luck in school. Maybe when you get to college I will take you up on that one.

[slipperysam1984]

wicked vid, Quick question, as you are going downthe route stocking your tank up with lots of coral, would you go down the route of a calcium reactor?

[newyorksteelo]

@slipperysam1984 Its possible that in the near future, I may add a calcium reactor.

[JUNAID187]

You dont have to use test kits. Personally I find them to be inconsistant on accuracy so I just take a sample of water + take it to a proffesional marine biologist.

[newyorksteelo]

@JUNAID187 Sounds good but unfortunately, not everyone has access to marine biologists and test kits are actually quite consistent and better than no test at all. Good luck.

[mindciller]

doh! again!,,,,ha ha ha yep i wear the noob cap :P

[mindciller]

i just started using the b-ionic liquid alq, and calcium today, was using powder reef buffer but got tired of driping it in. now i figure i can just measure and dose my 55gal per the directions turkey baster it in eh? my calcium is low at 300 (used to be in the 400's) and alk is at 8.0, ph has dropped to 8.0 (ran out of buffer for two weeks) just before this liquid dose. MAIN QUESTION is how may days should i give it to go up with the liquid b-ionic 2 part system before i hititwith the magnesium

[newyorksteelo]

@mindciller Please watch my video on calcium and alkalinity to find the answers you seek. you may need to correct the issue by doing water changes first, as the salt contains all the calcium you need. B ionic is only intended to keep the calcium and alkalinity at the proper levels. You may also need to raise your magnesium levels to get your calcium up. Good luck.

[mindciller]

@newyorksteelo k, so i'll go snag some salt water from my local store, i'm lazy on water changes and that is my main issue :P, now i know it's to maintain :), i guess i should check the water i get from the store before i put it in too :P, QUESTION: can i just yank 5 gallons from my 55 (while cleaning of course) and dump the new 5 immediately back in?

[newyorksteelo]

@mindciller Yes, but in a case like this, in order to get the water parameters where they need to be, You need a series of large water changes. I would say you need to do at least 2 to 3 X 25 gallon water changes. It also depends on the salt used. Reef Crystals salt mix will bring the calcium right up and quickly. Good luck and make sure you test, test and then test again.

[mindciller]

@newyorksteelo oh snaps! REALLY. dang...buying water is getting expensive. i've got access to well water is there a way to add salt to jugs (like the reef crystals you said) or something. so far i've only used the RO water, and salt water that i've bought from the store---i'm at approx 7mo. into this tank

[newyorksteelo]

@mindciller Do not add well water. Please watch my 3 videos on RO/DI systems to learn more about ro water. I recommend you watch most of my videos since most are educational and intended to lead hobbyist in the right direction. Good luck.

[mindciller]

@newyorksteelo i've got liquid magnesium, and 2 part b ionic. i'm cheap, i don't have many corals (the stony's are very small and the leathers are small too), can i just liquid mag one day, then alternate to 2part next day, and try that for a bit----reef buffer seemed to work o.k. before because my corals aren't all that elaborate, most the other #'s are o.k. just a lil low (with the calcium really low now). i wonder why my salinity says it's ok on my G3 fluval pump? reads 35(1.0264 by my calc.)

[newyorksteelo]

@mindciller The answers you seek are found in my video called "Calcium & Alkalinity Additives". Follow my recommendations there and do not dose anything without testing. Once again, the answers you seek are in these videos themselves. Thanks.

[mindciller]

@newyorksteelo got 20 gallons saltwater today, i'll hollar back tomorrow with my new #'s

[newyorksteelo]

@mindciller Good luck.

[mindciller]

@newyorksteelo changed the 20(of my 55) and got the calcium up to 380 from 300, within 2 days of adding b-ionic 2 part it went over 400...

i'm doseing both parts now daily in low ammounts to keep right.

my alc is low and i've started dripping in a lil extra with ro at night. what do you think?

i've got algae...during day it seems like air bubbles are attracted to it but at night it dissipates some-is there anything i can do to help with that? it's excessive even if i suck it out

[newyorksteelo]

@mindciller That sounds like cyanobacteria or blue green algae. Take a look at my videos on phosphates and cyanobacteria to find the answers you seek. Your alkalinity question is answered in this video itself. just listen closely. Good luck and glad to hear that your system is on the right track.

[newyorksteelo]

@SaltFishKid Reef Crystals.

[georgialions]

Wow you really answered all my questions on one video simply amazing...

[newyorksteelo]

@georgialions Thanks. Got many more videos on different subjects, including a new 90g tank build process. Feel free to browse through my channel and thanks for watching and for commenting :)

[NITTINID]

LOVE THE VIDEOS VERY INFORMATIVE...YOU GET AN "A" IN MY BOOK MY MAN.I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE A.P.I REEF MASTER TEST KIT.I NOTICED YOU HAVE ONE.I KNOW HOW TO TEST FOR NITRATE AND PHOS.BUT FOR THE LIFE OF ME I DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT IM DOING IN THE CALCIUM AND (K.H) TESTS.I FOLLOW THE INSTUCTIONS TO THE TEE..BUT IM NOT QUITE SURE WHAT TO LOOK FOR.THE BIGGEST MYSTERY TO ME IS WHEN DO I STOP ADDING DROPS.WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR? CAN U POST A VIDEO AND SHOW US VIEWERS HOW TO TEST CORRECTLY. THANKS!!

[newyorksteelo]

@NITTINID Its really simple man. I will make a video on this for sure int he future.

[cm08060111]

thanks you!! for your help!!

[newyorksteelo]

@cm08060111 No problem. Do look into an apex or reef keeper light cause you would save so much money by getting one of these controllers. It will do anything and everything for you. Good luck.

[cm08060111]

ok if an aquacontroller shows for example 8.02 ph and on my ph pen it shows 8.2.. Is that the same?

[newyorksteelo]

@cm08060111 I see what you mean and my reef keeper does show in the 8.02 but even still, you do not need it to be that accurate. A PH Probe is 10 times more accurate than any test kit so i would continue to use it and consider it more reliable than any test kit. About using Kalk, your system is big enough and with a good auto top off system, it should work well in your favor. Just make sure that you float valve never gets stuck with algae or debris or disaster could occur.

[cm08060111]

im thinking about using kalk ! i bought ph pen but i didnt notice that it only range from 0.0 &14.0. my question is can i still use it ?or should i buy something more accurate ? (example 0.00&14.00) .

[newyorksteelo]

@cm08060111 0.0 to 14.0 is what you want man. A PH Probe able to read such a wide range of PH is a good probe. Does it not read in decimals? I am confused here buddy or are you?

[FONZiEownzU]

So you don't use kalk? Ok cool

[newyorksteelo]

@FONZiEownzU Kaalk is too dangerous to use on a small nano system. If I were to have a larger than 90g system with wall to wall SPS's I would sure consider using Kalk or a calcium reactor, but with small systems, the use of kalk can be dangerous and can throw the whole tank out of whack and kill e everything. Calcium and alkalinity give you more control over your smaller reef. Sometime in the future I will make a detailed video on calcium reactors and kalkwasser.

[FONZiEownzU]

@newyorksteelo Alright, thanks =]

[inthesump]

uv not necessary. Never ever had one. People get false sense of security figuring in that they will never have disease problems......................­...

[newyorksteelo]

@inthesump Wait till the video comes out and you will sure be pleased with the information provided. UV sterilizers are not only for controlling parasites, but to control free floating algae as well. I will cover all misconceptions, truths and myths about them in the video so stay tuned for that.

[inthesump]

its a real money racket!!!

[newyorksteelo]

@inthesump Not quite considering that these supplements last me 6 months or so, but yeah it can be expensive.

[bilbobag111]

Thanks for the info! It really helps a novice like me. Honestly though I'm as clear as mud on this whole doseing thing. There are so many products out there that promise the world! What would you recomend just to keep it simple? -- I'm running a 29 gal. biocube with an InTank media basket and a tunze 9002 protein skimmer and have plans on adding CPR HOB refrigum in the near future.

[newyorksteelo]

@bilbobag111 I would rely mostly on Calcium and Alkalinity, but to be on the safe side, have in hand at least Strontium, Magnesium, Iodine, and Essential Elements. With these 4 in hand and following the recommended dosage in the instructions, your reef will shine as it should. Later on, after you get the refugium with macro algae, then you can get some Iron and dose accordingly. Most of these supplements will last you 6 months or more if you get the bigger bottles. Good luck.

[dm002a8686]

Your son first every time m8 , great update keep them coming ,

[newyorksteelo]

@dm002a8686 Thanks.

[jbliss2000007]

Thank you for taking a step back and helping the new Guys, Very powerful. Another awsome video.

[newyorksteelo]

@jbliss2000007 :)

[wesleyforbes]

Right now I am only dosing Magnesium and the 2 part Bionic.

[newyorksteelo]

@wesleyforbes Thats good enough if you don't have wall to wall corals and if you do frequent water changes. Always good to have them handy for the sake of your corals though.

[reefkid1]

is the api reef master a good test kit

[newyorksteelo]

@reefkid1 It's a decent kit and works out for me. I own the reef master and saltwater test kit. When you get farmiliar with these and then want more accurate readings, move on to salifert. good luck and thanks for watching.

[jpnasty]

@newyorksteelo  i realy like the elos test kits the best

[newyorksteelo]

@jpnasty A bit on the expensive side but surely accurate.

[gt2k4srt4]

So when are you getting your need HD camera. lol

[newyorksteelo]

@gt2k4srt4 I got the wrong one in the mail and sent it back, then caceled the order so that i can celebrate my birthday in Canada with my son. It's been a crazy month but I should get it soon.

[gt2k4srt4]

@newyorksteelo Good deal. well happy early birthday then. Hope you enjoy your time in Canada with your son.

[newyorksteelo]

@gt2k4srt4 :)

[l0rd1nfamous]

Steelo !!! Thanks for this vid I love it you touch on everything keep it up very useful for me , quick question for you though i have a 30 gal and I have been using the BIONIC 1&2 i do ml every other day and man just in the 3rd day what i deference in the coral and rock ! my question to you is do I still need to dose with Essential Elements or Stratum ? sorry about the spelling and I'm using a T5 236 watt light but i keep all my corals4 inch's from the top of the water line .

[newyorksteelo]

@l0rd1nfamous It depends and really comes down to how many corals you have in the system. It also depends on how long in between your water changes. If you do water changes on a weekly basis, plus add the Calcium and Alkalinity which already contains some of these elements in small quantities i would not say you absolutely need it unless you have wall to wall corals and aggressive skimming.

[l0rd1nfamous]

@newyorksteelo OK I gotcha yea I only have 3 frags and a med sps my take is mostly rock like 80% I do water changes like every 4 weeks. just picked a green Mandarin goby like 3 hrs ago. let me know, thanks for your time and effort.;

[itzjujubabii]

@l0rd1nfamous hey man, not to jump into your questions but how long have you had your tank running? Im asking because mandarins are very difficult to take care and maintain because of there diet. They mostly feed on copepods and if your system isnt established to a point where it can sustain and good amount of copepods to feed the mandarin, im afraid the mandarin wont survive.

[l0rd1nfamous]

@itzjujubabii naw no thing man its been up for about 7 months yea i know they feed on cope podsI have thousands no over exaggeration you can see them in all day not just at night i know how much they eat 24/7 i wont run out, thats the only fish i have in the tank.

[l0rd1nfamous]

@l0rd1nfamous i get my water tested every 3 weeks and every things good i have growth on all my corals (frags) I was doing ml of Bionic 1&2 but i just bumped up to 15 just cause i wanted my calcium a little higher.

[ryjack26]

u have do much stuff lol

[newyorksteelo]

@ryjack26 Pretty soon so will you lol. Wait till you get into more corals and try to make your system into a full blown reef lol.

[ryjack26]

@newyorksteelo haha, we'll im looking for some easy softies...any suggestions?

[newyorksteelo]

@ryjack26 With your lighting, you can get anything from softies to sps to clams, but if you want to start off with softies (which is a good idea), you can pretty much get anything you want. they are extremely hardy and will withstand neglect better than any other type of coral. I would start out with a colt coral or a leather toadstool, or even some xenias. Good luck.

[nyinfamous2k2]

Another day in school with professor Steelo lol

thanks

[newyorksteelo]

@nyinfamous2k2 lol 

[Rolandofishtank]

@newyorksteelo nice video.in 2 weeks I'm getting all my equipment to set up my 55g

[newyorksteelo]

@Rolandofishtank Awesome and welcome to the hobby :)

[mofoglenn333]

great vid. thanks. have you heard of people using epsom salt (mag sulph)?

[newyorksteelo]

@mofoglenn333 I used epson salt religiously when I had my Brackish Water African Cichlid tank. In marine systems, I find no real need for it though.

[gprime22]

Another great vid man, and i think its pronounced "meh-lib-deh-num" but who cares really lol. One thing i noticed that you don't use and I'm not sure if its even needed but I've seen some people using it is concentrated Vitamins and Amino acids. How often do you test your water,? I usually only test my water when I do my water change. I supplement calcium, S+M and iodine. Along with using IO Reef Crystals for my salt in the nano.

[newyorksteelo]

@gprime22 lol, yeah like you pronounced it lol. I have found my systems to be successful without the use of vitamins and the such. After all, most of the growth and health will be supplied to the coral by adequate lighting and major/minor trace elements. Nevertheless, if a particular coral is injured during shipping, the use of vitamins and antibiotics would help in the recovery of the coral, but if the coral is overall healthy, i find no need for vitamins. I test like once a month or longer.

[taedom]

I dread the day when I have to start adding Mag, Cal, Alk. Right now the demand is not high enough.

I also would like to see a video for the 30 gal ecosystem Miracle Mud supplements. There is a balling method that you can do. Great vid and Thank you.

[newyorksteelo]

@taedom The balling method is the same as these methods, just from a different company. In the end, all supplements from different companies do the same thing and contain similar ingredients. By the way, it you have live rock and want it to get beautiful Coraline colors or maintain those colors, you should be dosing at least calcium and alkalinity.

[juliomexico13]

great vids.

i set up my 55 gallon tank

i ill post a vid in the nxt couple of days

[newyorksteelo]

@juliomexico13 Thanks. Let me know when so I can take a peep.

[sputnik790]

First!!! Nice video man, i've been waiting for that one, Thanks! Like you already know, i got Ecosystems Reef Solution, so we will see how helpful it is! Ecosystems claim that this solution is "All you need"

[newyorksteelo]

@sputnik790 lol, It is similar to Essential Elements but I wouldn't say all you need. without Calcium and Alkalinity additives, using Reef Solutions only would not keep these levels where they should be. Nonetheless, great product to have handy.