Chemical advice on canister tank

[Jago]

Hi all,

I have a 125 litre marine tank.

I've got a few things in the tank equipment wise
Protein skimmer
Surface skimmer
Fluval light on one of there program schedules.
I do weekly water changes with my own RO water.

I've been this for over a year but I just wanted to know that my local fish store is adding chemicals into there tanks.
I see them put aqua balance which is a nitrate remover along with other chemicals.
There tanks are lovely and everything seems really healthy.

Can I put this in my tank and where does it all stop. I assume there's thousands of pounds I could do so which ones make the tank better?

I just want better a tank to shop standard

Thank you reading

 

[Copingwithpods]

The main concensus is the least amount of chemicals going in your tank the better. Find ways to to deal with the problems in a natural way and only use chemicals as a last resort. There is no wonder chemical that will magically make a tank better, just small solutions to much deeper problems.

 

[Jago]

The main concensus is the least amount of chemicals going in your tank the better. Find ways to to deal with the problems in a natural way and only use chemicals as a last resort. There is no wonder chemical that will magically make a tank better, just small solutions to much deeper problems.

 

[Jago]

I only ask and put it in that content as I was a head greenkeeper and we obviously helped grasses along with fertiliser etc. I just wondered if marine life was the same.

 

[WVNed]

To some extent it is. But in all things there is a balance. There are chemicals to add and take away all the things in tank water. You have to know which one you need to do through your testing.

 

[Copingwithpods]

I only ask and put it in that content as I was a head greenkeeper and we obviously helped grasses along with fertiliser etc. I just wondered if marine life was the same.

For a reef the "fertilizers" would NO3, PO4, bacteria, Amino Acids and proteins. Assuming parameters are stable and all trace elements are in balance you shouldn't have to really add anything else besides light and flow.

 

[Tony Thompson]

Hi @Jago , first of all be very careful trying to emulate what you may have seen in an LFS, The vast majority of LFS are set up for quick turnover of stock that is available for purchase. Unless you are talking about a seasoned display tank in the store. I would build up your own knowledge to enable you to make a more informed decision.

As far as I am aware Aqua Balance is a product from the Aquasource brand. The only examples of his in the UK are those generally associated with cold freshwater species, such as Koi. I am unaware of a product Aquasource produce to lower Nitrate in the tropical marine aquarium.

Instead of emulating your LFS, I would strongly advise that you study a little more about water quality and husbandry within the Marine Reef Aquarium arena. This forum along with some excellent articles and publications are readily available. R2R is an excellent resource, but personally I would advise a publication from a qualified reputable source.

In the marine aquarium trade, the management of Nitrate and water quality issues in general, are routinely monitored and managed by sufficient filtration, careful calculations on stocking density (including metabolic needs of particular species) and regular water changes. Regular water changes and monitoring are the mainstay of many successful LFS. These procedures (for fish only in particular) are all that should be required to maintain high levels of water quality.

Only full Reef Aquariums (Containing Corals, especially stony corals), may benefit from further dosing additions, such as Carbonates , Calcium and Magnesium. These along with any other additives should only be added alongside careful calculation through accurate testing and regular monitoring.

Water quality is one area that I strongly advise any hobbyists to invest some form of research time in, before the even purchase their aquarium.

Simply emulating what your LFS dose, could lead to both misinterpretation and limit your ability to make informed decisions.

My advice would be, wherever possible, keep within the parameters of Natural Seawater and keep these parameters as stable as possible. Be very aware of any claims by manufacturers or sales people, that may not always be made with a sufficient amount of warranty to back up the claims.

Knowledge gained from a reputable resource, is invaluable if you are to make informed decisions.