Testing and dosing question

Dmat21 · Oct 8, 2020

Is the trident system just the Way to go for hands-free easiest way to take care of your tank properly? I’m a quadriplegic I need help with everything so easier the better less steps the better

bam123 · Oct 8, 2020

I work with SCI patients so I'm familiar. What level are you? What I would say is that if you have a DOS/APEX it's very easy to dose 2 part or ALL in one and requires very little other then topping your dosing container off and use of a computer. As for the trident, I wouldn't do it unless you have heavy acro. I would also consider using a DOS or VERSA pump for daily 1-2 percent auto water changes. I use the hanna checker for alkalinity and without good dexterity the tops would be hard to screw on the vials. Other then that, pretty easy. I think the TRIDENT would be hard for you to setup depending on where it's positioned. The reagents are expensive and they are often hard to find in bulk. The unit also needs to be sent back to company every year for maintenance. Changing out the 3 containers may prove difficulty (if you self cath, shouldn't be an issue). I also don't think testing Mg is necessary for most mixed reefs if you are dosing 2 part ESV or similar and doing daily AWC. I'm not a Trident hater. If I had a lot of clams and a lot of acros I would consider one. Otherwise, not for me.

Dmat21 · Oct 9, 2020

bam123 said:
I work with SCI patients so I'm familiar. What level are you? What I would say is that if you have a DOS/APEX it's very easy to dose 2 part or ALL in one and requires very little other then topping your dosing container off and use of a computer. As for the trident, I wouldn't do it unless you have heavy acro. I would also consider using a DOS or VERSA pump for daily 1-2 percent auto water changes. I use the hanna checker for alkalinity and without good dexterity the tops would be hard to screw on the vials. Other then that, pretty easy. I think the TRIDENT would be hard for you to setup depending on where it's positioned. The reagents are expensive and they are often hard to find in bulk. The unit also needs to be sent back to company every year for maintenance. Changing out the 3 containers may prove difficulty (if you self cath, shouldn't be an issue). I also don't think testing Mg is necessary for most mixed reefs if you are dosing 2 part ESV or similar and doing daily AWC. I'm not a Trident hater. If I had a lot of clams and a lot of acros I would consider one. Otherwise, not for me.

i’m a C4 C5 quad. With no hand function I need help pretty much with everything. That’s why I kind of thought the Trident system would test and dose for me without having to do you tedious extra work that needs to be done on the tank with my father. I wanted to do a mix reef tank and not really worry about what I put in there, as well as I really want to grow coral.
for set up wise my father and brother help me with that that’s no big deal. It’s just the tedious maintenance and testing and dosing and Water top off that I need to simplify.
what exactly is the DOS/Apex?

bam123 · Oct 9, 2020

Cool. I wouldn't even worry about the above. BTW, I'm a rehab med doc (PMR). What part of the country do you live in? I'm a great resource for ALL things SCI

) I'd start off with a softie tank and morph slowly into a LPS and montis and then hardy acros. I've been in the hobby over 25 years and have made plenty of mistakes. Learn from others mistakes and save money. It's a great hobby. The apex system is a monitoring system that you can also use to control devices (Not needed). Don't worry about dosers yet. Start simple and go small. Your DAD can easily test the water a couple of times a week (takes one minute). Start with watching the Bulk REEF SUPPLY Ultra low maintenance series on youtube. Also, what size tank are you thinking? From there, I can tell you what I'd do for a mixed primarily softie, lps, anemone tank. I wouldn't add acros for the first 4-6 months, and then is a long discussion. You will encounter a lot of strong opinions. There are many ways to skin a cat.

bam123 · Oct 9, 2020

Also, there are many types of ways (and cheap) to automate the water top off. You can PM if easier, but your thread may help those in similar situations.

Dmat21 · Oct 9, 2020

bam123 said:
Cool. I wouldn't even worry about the above. BTW, I'm a rehab med doc (PMR). What part of the country do you live in? I'm a great resource for ALL things SCI) I'd start off with a softie tank and morph slowly into a LPS and montis and then hardy acros. I've been in the hobby over 25 years and have made plenty of mistakes. Learn from others mistakes and save money. It's a great hobby. The apex system is a monitoring system that you can also use to control devices (Not needed). Don't worry about dosers yet. Start simple and go small. Your DAD can easily test the water a couple of times a week (takes one minute). Start with watching the Bulk REEF SUPPLY Ultra low maintenance series on youtube. Also, what size tank are you thinking? From there, I can tell you what I'd do for a mixed primarily softie, lps, anemone tank. I wouldn't add acros for the first 4-6 months, and then is a long discussion. You will encounter a lot of strong opinions. There are many ways to skin a cat.

That’s awesome! I’m in Florida How about you? Currently in the hospital fighting a UTI And prostatitis Yet again. My muscle spasms are the worst that people have seen as well as my nerve pain is through the roof lately. Can’t figure out what cocktail of meds to use and it’s getting really frustrating and depressing
but I got a 65 gallon driled tank with sump

bam123 · Oct 9, 2020

I'm in Jacksonville. Where are you? 65 gallons is a great size. I have a 60 cube and love it. I would just copy my system. I'll leave details below as well as what my tank looks like later today. As for your medical condition, give me as much detail as you can in a PM and I'll give great advice. That being said, I'm not your medical doctor so consult with your current doctors before doing anything.