How important are the metal elements in reef tanks

[Reza’s Mixed_Reef]

Hey guys,

I am wondering how you guys feel about the metal elements in a reef tank. I am not doing water changes.. just once a month 10% I run a system similar to ATI essential.

I send out a ICP test out every month and the metal elements always come back 0. In all honesty the corals don’t seem to mind. I can’t look in the future on long term but for now they thriving without them.

I am wondering how your guys perspective is on this matter. I am going to buy a bottle of each and add what’s lacking on the icp and there recommendations. Just for my own piece of mind. Tank been running without them for the last 7 months.. I did add fluoride because I believe it’s important and also bor. this is just the last few months.

Hope this topic will clear my doubts..

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Metals is an overbroad term, which includes calcium (very useful) and lithium (no utility). It also ingores some critical nonmetals.

There are a variety of trace elements that are very important (iron, manganese, vanadium, nickel, etc.) and a bunch of elements that are not useful.

 

[Reza’s Mixed_Reef]

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[Reza’s Mixed_Reef]

Metals is an overbroad term, which includes calcium (very useful) and lithium (no utility). It also ingores some critical nonmetals.

There are a variety of trace elements that are very important (iron, manganese, vanadium, nickel, etc.) and a bunch of elements that are not useful.

My question is about the trace elements. I’ve added also the part of ICP in my tread.