Is it possible to keep LPS while only doing water changes (no dosing)?

[ichthyogeek]

In a large enough system (say, 350 gallons or so), is it possible to keep a small amount of LPS (1-2 Micromussa colonies, 6 or so Trachyphyllias) without dosing calcium and alkalinity? Assume 50 gallon water changes each week, and some amount of calcium carbonate in the form of rock in the system, but no more than 20 pounds or so.

 

[corey904]

Yes but it depends on what kinds on lps, how many in the tank and how often you do water changes but with the stats you said I would say it would probably do just fine

 

[Brandon3152134]

Yes they wont grow as quickly but most lps are pretty tough. It definitely depends on their size and amount of corals in the tank that are growing.

 

[JGT]

In a large enough system (say, 350 gallons or so), is it possible to keep a small amount of LPS (1-2 Micromussa colonies, 6 or so Trachyphyllias) without dosing calcium and alkalinity? Assume 50 gallon water changes each week, and some amount of calcium carbonate in the form of rock in the system, but no more than 20 pounds or so.

Short answer is yes. As long as the water changes replaces the elements the LPS consume and there is always a supply for them, they should be fine. Issue would be if the LPS are consuming more than the water changes are replenishing.

 

[flampton]

Yes definitely, but why? Dosing doesnt have to be everyday or elaborate in a situation like this, so like adding a teaspoon of kalk, AB or even something like all for reef won't give the lps such a bumpy ride so to speak.

 

[ichthyogeek]

Yes definitely, but why? Dosing doesnt have to be everyday or elaborate in a situation like this, so like adding a teaspoon of kalk, AB or even something like all for reef won't give the lps such a bumpy ride so to speak.

In summation: dosing scares me.

 

[JGT]

In summation: dosing scares me.

But you OK with water changes?

 

[Brandon3152134]

When I started my second reef I fixed the mistake I made with my first one by not chasing numbers. I find it's best to let the corals tell you what they want like if the seem a little bit closed up or not growing quickly Ik to check my water and fix the issue alot of times a water change will fix it but if the water changes start being less and less effective you can start with an easier dosing method like adding kalk to your top off water that way its slowly added daily and diluted so it doesnt cause and swings

 

[ichthyogeek]

But you OK with water changes?

Yes.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

It will be totally fine for a very long time. And if you keep your lps trimmed it will be fine indefinitely

 

[ichthyogeek]

It will be totally fine for a very long time. And if you keep your lps trimmed it will be fine indefinitely

The micromussas I plan on trimming excessively (and selling the frags), since they'll be in a 2.5 gallon area. The trachys on the other hand, I'd like to experiment with seeing if I can get them to sexually reproduce....so I might have to eventually look into dosing...

 

[flampton]

Ahh okay! Well simplest way to get over that fear is to first dose by hand, keep track if forgetful, and monitor chemistry more in the beginning.

Another trick to start developing trust in a product by using it on an experimental 10G, doesn't even have to have macro life. You can test the immediate chemical changes without the other variables clouding it.

Oh and no pressure to dose! If you don't want to I have no problem with that in such a large system.

 

[flampton]

And no don't put kalk in your ATO unless you have multiple fail-safes that are checked regularly. You'll see quite a few reports of destroyed reefs not following this advice

 

[xxkenny90xx]

And no don't put kalk in your ATO unless you have multiple fail-safes that are checked regularly. You'll see quite a few reports of destroyed reefs not following this advice

You'll see the same reports of destroyed reefs (actually more) from people who dose using dosing pumps.... Anything automated is risky

 

[Privateye]

The answer is yes, in theory. Although as they grow you may need to increase the water changes as they consume more things.

Dosing is super easy, especially when you have low demand. High demand, then you look into dosing pumps or calcium reactors. It will save you lots of time and money long-term compared to water changes.

 

[flampton]

You'll see the same reports of destroyed reefs (actually more) from people who dose using dosing pumps.... Anything automated is risky

Yes totally agree! and that all such devices should have safety precautions, such as automatic shut off if dosing too long.

One of the safest available is a drip line, cause it usually fails by clogging

 

[symon_say]

Eventually water changes won't be sufficient to keep tank consumption and you'll have to dose or add a calcium reactor, in a tank that size calcium reactor might be the best bet, and If you're scare of dosing calcium reactor will be a nightmare, better start now that the impact will be less and learn how to dial with those system.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Yes and that is all they require besides moderate light and water flow and some feedings

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

In summation: dosing scares me.

It will cost way, way less than maintaining alk and calcium by water change.

 

[Fishingandreefing]

I dig this post up as I came home and at least 3g of rodi with kalk was dumped into my 120. My ato is Tunze and really disappointed.

now some of my lps looks really bad. I am making rodi now and hopefully will be ok after about 30% water change