So many products, how to know what works?

[Reef Keeper 18]

Figured I'd ask this question because I was thinking about it recently. How many of you have looked at those million bottles on the shelf at the lfs that claim to promote coral growth or help corals with this or that or enhance something? My question to you guys is this; how many of you have tried one of these products and seen it work?? I'm currently seeing how Koralcolor by bright well aquatics will change the look of my coral, whether or not I notice a difference will be the real question. What products have you guys used and noticed enough of a difference that you wold recommend them for someone else to buy even though its not one of those neccesary things to dose.

Thanks,
Riley

 

[ReefPops]

Following along. Awhile back I had my LFS try something "new" that was supposed to make your corals phenomenal. All he got was some crazy algae outbreak. Ever since then I have been hesitant to try much of anything unless the tank "needs" it. Can't wait to hear how it works out if you try it.

 

[Reef Keeper 18]

Bump!

 

[ritter6788]

Honestly if it's not necessary to dose I don't add it to my tank. If corals don't have good color then it's a lighting/nutrition/health issue and something in a bottle won't help. Just calcium, alkalinity and magnesium for me.

 

[Reef Keeper 18]

I keep up on my calcium alk and mag as much as I can, but I figured I'd test if it makes them look better or what, ill be dosing daily for about a month and I have pictures to compare

 

[KLR]

Dosing ammino acids does help color and growth in my experience. However, also in my experience, if you dose the slightest bit off you will experience lots of unwanted algae and your corals will become unhappy.

 

[Viperdoug]

Be careful with KoralColor from Brightwell. It is not necessary for starters and people have reported problems with certain corals on it. IMO opinion, if something is not necessary, you are only adding risk that offers little benefit.

 

[beaslbob]

Figured I'd ask this question because I was thinking about it recently. How many of you have looked at those million bottles on the shelf at the lfs that claim to promote coral growth or help corals with this or that or enhance something? My question to you guys is this; how many of you have tried one of these products and seen it work?? I'm currently seeing how Koralcolor by bright well aquatics will change the look of my coral, whether or not I notice a difference will be the real question. What products have you guys used and noticed enough of a difference that you wold recommend them for someone else to buy even though its not one of those neccesary things to dose.

Thanks,
Riley

to be honest none of them!!!!.

Just do the diy two part in the stickies here and consume the ammonia/nitrate/phosphate/carbon dioxide with macro algae or possibly use an algae turf scrubber.

my .02

 

[cdness]

Due to no regulation of these products there is really no proof except in the tank sitting in front of you. The claims are never verified as accurate and even bottle contents can vary between manufacturing runs with little to no repercussions when they change... There is online review of products, but there is a placebo effect you need to consider. Some people believe they are seeing better colors when in reality, they are just paying more attention to tank parameters and other dosing. For the most part, many products are snake oil and not needed, but I tend to trust the better known brands over a random bottle of miracle grow sitting in the reef section of the LFS...

 

[Zack]

Less is more!

Sent from my VS950 4G using Forum Runner

 

[Ron Reefman]

90% of the 'chemicals' on the LFS shelves and online stores is just not worth the price and 9 times out of 10 won't help. Everybody wants a quick fix or a better look. Just do the basics right and you can have a spectacular tank. I don't even dose LFS 2 part anymore. I use dowflake for calcium chloride, baking soda for alk and mag flake and epsom salts for mag. It works just as well and costs abot 25-50% of what BRS chemicals cost and 10-20% of liquid 2 part.