Let's talk additives: What type of additives do you use?

revhtree · Jun 8, 2012

Let's talk additives:

There are so many different types of additives and things you can dose your aquarium with and really it can all be quite confusing. If I am new to the hobby I am shaking my head and wondering if I could ever learn all there is to know. As mature hobbyists we know that all the additive hype is not founded and many if not all can be done without.

Please share what you dose and why.

Also what additives have you dosed that has not worked or has negatively affected your tank.

AZDesertRat · Jun 8, 2012

Absolutely nothing other than RO/DI water, a good salt mix and a calcium reactor. If its not in my salt or the reactor I don't need it and probably coundn't measure or test for it so why risk my tank and all its inhabitants.

thewackyreefer · Jun 8, 2012

I use ESV B-Ionic Alk, Calcium and Magnesium as needed, which isn't very often. Other than that a good amount of water changes!

creefer · Jun 8, 2012

I have often asked myself the same questions. Considering the goal is stability in proper parameters, it seems sensible to have good husbandry practices and do frequent water changes and supplement only what the livestock consumes from the system between water changes. In my previous tank, I attempted dosing of various things and I'm not sure if I ever really gained anything in terms of the health of the system.

tigrtraps · Jun 8, 2012

SeaChem Fuel, I think I use it because all the research says it won't hurt. That and my SPS have regained intensely bright colors since using it.

sirevans reef · Jun 9, 2012

The only things I put in my tank are ro/di water, Instant Ocean salt, fish food, Bulk Reef Supply two part Cal. and Alk. If I start to have an algae outbreak I dose H2O2 and thats about it. I also run a BRS gfo and carbon reactor.

Dave3112 · Jun 9, 2012

BRS 2 part Ca and ALK. Brightwells magnesion when it's needed which is pretty rare and water changes for me now. I used to dose a lot of junk but my reef looks much better without it. Oh yeah I add a couple of drops a week of brightwells lugols.

Electrobes · Jun 9, 2012

Aside from water changes (Red Sea Coral Pro Salt), I only use iodine for specific purposes, like a bleaching coral or a molting shrimp.

Young Frankenstein · Jun 9, 2012

Calcium carbonate, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium sulfate, Magnesium Chloride, Strontium, Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Zeo Start, Zeo vit something and some other stuff lol

reef life · Jun 9, 2012

Have a Calcium Reactor, Dose with Kalk and Mag to keep up to par since I have lots of coral. Occassionally dose with Fuel, has Amino Acids, my corals do seem to like it.