Red Sea Dosing A,B,C vs ABC+ "Skeletal Elements"

[member 99594]

Hey all,

I am currently using ESV 2-Part and Aquavitro Fuel for trace. I am thinking about moving to RedSea Dosing (A, B, & C) plus the C and D colors for trace elements.

I have a 100 total volume system with a .4 alk drop per day.

I can't decide to do the A B C separate 1kg power each vs the new ABC "Skeletal Elements". (one dose) and adding C and D for trace.

I have heard when using the Skeletal Elements you need to "top up" Alk and Mg every once in a while. This to me sounds like a PITA vs just dosing Alk, Ca and Mg separate.

Please let me know what you all think and if there is a better option for me. I am also open to continuing what I am doing and just start piecing together a Ca reactor.

Let me know what you all think.

Cheers!!

 

[member 99594]

Sorry, add on question.

Do I even need to use “fuel” when using ESV? I see the ESV Has some trace elements in it.

 

[SPR1968]

I’ve used both, ABC+ skeletal elements in my first tank for just a few months. It’s ideal for smaller systems up to around 90g but yes you do have to adjust the individual elements from time to time as they get out of sync and yes it can be a pain. But its designed for a specific purpose and makes it easier for ‘the masses’ to keep a reef tank.

So personally I prefer and now dose the individual elements A B and C along with all the coral colours

Don’t know what ESV is so someone else may help on that

 

[jent]

I use both, and also kalk. It may sound complicated but I find each one makes it easier.

I run kalk on a doser. This provides most of my replinishment, and is designed around increasing my pH and maintaining general stability.

I recently started adding colors abcd every week to help with trace elements.

Unfortunately kalk is not able to fully maintain my levels. So I dose 20g abc+ powder twice a week manually (tank is 100gal, 120gal total volume). I test alk once a week and may decide to dose as much as an extra 20g if needed. I also recently started dosing matching amounts of colors CD when I use this so that those trace levels are also maintained.

Then once a month I will also test Ca and Mg. If needed I adjust my levels then. Usually Ca is a little low (likely from also dosing Nitrate), and Mg may or may not be a little low.

So far my results have been good. However after learning that abc+ is dehydrated 2 part mixed together, I am wondering if it increases my risk of perception. I always mix into my overflow which runs 10x my tank volume (so very high flow). But still I worry about precipitation.

Once I can afford a new doser I probably will start dosing 2 part instead of kalk and abc+.