Calcium reactor media & trace elements

[Heisenberg 78]

I’ve recently switched to a dastaco cal reactor (may this year) but I choose to use ARM aragonite media as opposed to the pure calc they recommend.

The reason for this was through having really good results on previous tanks and the fact I’d have to dose magnesium and other trace elements separatly if I had used the dastaco media.

One thing I was wondering, is there anything I’m missing in terms of trace elements when I dose ARM.?
My tank parameters are all really stable and I’m seeing good growth, but I do still have a few troublesome sps which for some reason don’t like the water they live in..

I keps sps before the cal reactor and some really looked quite horrid for a good while; they deteriorated quite badly.
since using the DaStaco the turnaround in the coral has been amazing.

 

[JMetaxas]

I use Two Little Fishes Reborn for this reason, trace elements, I do regular ICP tests and I’m in great shape.

 

[Heisenberg 78]

I guess I’m thinking along the lines of you then, the media is actually supplying with what the coral needs, I might have to look at other factors..

it might be placement in the tank..which causes the odd frag to perish.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I do not believe that using a CaCO3/CO2 reactor eliminates the benefit of dosing certain trace elements (e.g., iron), since it only adds what is taken out by skeletal growth, not by tissue growth (hard corals/soft corals/macroalgae/etc.)

 

[JMetaxas]

I do not believe that using a CaCO3/CO2 reactor eliminates the benefit of dosing certain trace elements (e.g., iron), since it only adds what is taken out by skeletal growth, not by tissue growth (hard corals/soft corals/macroalgae/etc.)

Which is why I do regular ICP tests, to see if any critical element is depleted. I have to assume my monthly 20% water changes (w/Reef Crystals) is enough to replenish what the Ca+ reactor media isn't replacing.

 

[Heisenberg 78]

Ah yes, never thought of it that way..(carbonate builds the skeleton)

Would you say tropic Marin A / k elements be the liquid suppliment to use..?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Ah yes, never thought of it that way..(carbonate builds the skeleton)

Would you say tropic Marin A / k elements be the liquid suppliment to use..?

I do not know if it is better than others, but it seems to me to be a fine choice.