The Triton Method?

[hatfielj]

How exactly does it work? The way I understand it is, you stop doing water changes. Instead, you run a skimmer and a refugium (and carbon/GFO if needed). Then you test your water and instead of dosing 2 part solution, you start dosing the Triton products? Is that it?
Wondering what are the benefits of switching to this? Are there any tanks out there that can show us the results after switching?

 

[currentking]

pretty much what you said! Triton will send you the dosing product and tell you how much to put in. No water changes but sending water test in every month and buying their stuff. I may try it.

 

[hatfielj]

I guess I cant help but be a bit skeptical about this. They're selling us the test, telling us what we need, then selling us what we need. Its just a slightly more complicted way to dose two part. (Its like dosing 32 part). Where is the proof this will work?

 

[trueblackpercula]

Triton method is amazing from what I have read and may do it, the only thing that stops me is there is no more carbon dosing and you have to have arefugium.
Michael

here is ther store and display tanks enjoy >>>>> a tour in Germany whit some friends - YouTube

 

[Acroholic]

I guess I cant help but be a bit skeptical about this. They're selling us the test, telling us what we need, then selling us what we need. Its just a slightly more complicted way to dose two part. (Its like dosing 32 part). Where is the proof this will work?

Here is a link to a tank run via the Triton Method for over a year. Sorry, but I do not need to send my water to Germany, and buy their products to grow hair and bubble algae in this only average reef rank. I can do better than this by myself without their system.

Magpie's Aquanano 40 Triton method tank. - UltimateReef.com

Villify the water change, and use our "Magic in a Bottle." Give me a break.

Here's my SPS tank done via the "Acroholic Method." But I'll share my method and it won't cost you a dime.

 

[Shep]

I am sure that their method has merit but I wonder if its any better than what we already do and I am always extra skeptical when a method involves only being able to buy what you need from the person advertising the new method.

 

[hatfielj]

Yeah, that's how I feel. I think its good they're offering those tests though. I think it could be very helpful in diagnosing problems or looking for easy ways to improve color or growth. I'm just not convinced I want to switch to their dosing products.
I'm thinking what I'll do is send them a sample of my fresh salt mix water and see how it does. If there's only 1 or 2 things deficient or in excess, I would easily be able to adjust that with each water change. I am planning on adding a refugium to my system though, so I don't have to do water changes as often. But, I still feel like it would be easier and more cost effective to just be consistent with the type of salt and additives you use and do water changes on a very regular basis so things stay relatively constant. The corals will adjust to whatever good conditions you give them as long as their environment is stable.

 

[trueblackpercula]

Here is a link to a tank run via the Triton Method for over a year. Sorry, but I do not need to send my water to Germany, and buy their products to grow hair and bubble algae in this only average reef rank. I can do better than this by myself without their system.

Magpie's Aquanano 40 Triton method tank. - UltimateReef.com

Villify the water change, and use our "Magic in a Bottle." Give me a break.

Here's my SPS tank done via the "Acroholic Method." But I'll share my method and it won't cost you a dime.

Simply amazing tank cN you lead me to your at I thread?

 

[gacolt]

Here is a link to a tank run via the Triton Method for over a year. Sorry, but I do not need to send my water to Germany, and buy their products to grow hair and bubble algae in this only average reef rank. I can do better than this by myself without their system.

Magpie's Aquanano 40 Triton method tank. - UltimateReef.com

Villify the water change, and use our "Magic in a Bottle." Give me a break.

Here's my SPS tank done via the "Acroholic Method." But I'll share my method and it won't cost you a dime.

you have such a nice tank dave.i hope to be on your level oneday.if you dont mind i would love to talk to you about how you keep your tank and maybe some ways i could inprove mine.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

In order to reduce certain elements that become elevated, Triton does suggest water changes as the solution. They have a salt mix they sell and/or recommend for such changes, but many salt mixes might work fine.

IMO, an alternative is to use part of the method (the testing) and then make corrections as needed (if any) based on the readings, but not necessarily involving their products.

 

[Tweaked]

In order to reduce certain elements that become elevated, Triton does suggest water changes as the solution. They have a salt mix they sell and/or recommend for such changes, but many salt mixes might work fine.

IMO, an alternative is to use part of the method (the testing) and then make corrections as needed (if any) based on the readings, but not necessarily involving their products.

Exactly what I have done. My test results came back, and made a couple adjustments and moved on. Will test again in 6 months.

 

[Sahin]

Here is a link to a tank run via the Triton Method for over a year. Sorry, but I do not need to send my water to Germany, and buy their products to grow hair and bubble algae in this only average reef rank. I can do better than this by myself without their system.

Magpie's Aquanano 40 Triton method tank. - UltimateReef.com

Villify the water change, and use our "Magic in a Bottle." Give me a break.

Here's my SPS tank done via the "Acroholic Method." But I'll share my method and it won't cost you a dime.

I reside in the UK, and this Triton method has a pretty good following...

But I will stick the good old method that i am using currently.

They sell you everything you need:
1. Some form of 2 or 3 part...or 32 part Lol
2. Sell you tests...
3. Sell you salt...

Yup...a system pretty much designed to keep you fixed in into their system...no thanks. Like Acroholic, I will stick with my current method. If the system is so good, why doesnt the tank linked look amazing...its been running for a while now...???!!!

 

[mc-cro]

From a marketing standpoint, this company has hit a home run... but this method alone just isnt going to make your tank successful.

I had this discussion the other day, so I will just paste:

... its very important that you learn your tank, learn to balance your nutrient import and export, and each new tank usually takes a while to balance, even for experienced reefers. Knowledge is good, and I do think the water testing will eventually give the hobby good insight to some very specific, very minute details. All that being said, 99% of this whole campaign is a marketing ploy. "We have the magic bullet your tank is missing" - "no water changes". "Be empowered" Please...The average reef keeper with problems is missing basic steps to understanding and balancing their tank. In reading thru the details, even Triton themselves say you will still need to perform water changes to remedy waste accumulation. I equate this whole thing to diet pills. Here give us some money, and buy our products, and you will be "empowered" with a successful reef.

 

[hart24601]

Here is a link to a tank run via the Triton Method for over a year. Sorry, but I do not need to send my water to Germany, and buy their products to grow hair and bubble algae in this only average reef rank. I can do better than this by myself without their system.

Magpie's Aquanano 40 Triton method tank. - UltimateReef.com

Villify the water change, and use our "Magic in a Bottle." Give me a break.

Here's my SPS tank done via the "Acroholic Method." But I'll share my method and it won't cost you a dime.

So a medium tank is proof that the concept isn't good? Just curious, have you ever had a setback in this hobby?

 

[mc-cro]

We have all had set backs, I think the point is that spending a ton of money on the Triton method isnt going to magically give you a successful reef. Good basic husbandry skills always have and always will give you good results. If your tank is looking like crap, I wouldnt hold my breath that Triton method is going to fix it. I would spend my $50 on a new box of salt and get to siphoning the detritus and waste.

 

[hart24601]

I guess I didn't really see this particular method as really costing all that much although I don't think their range of dosing products is available here yet, but a water test every few months isn't crazy. They sell a fancy salt, but at least in Europe they only suggest using their salt to correct heavy metals, otherwise they suggest tropic martin salt.I won't be using their method, but I will use the water testing services. I don't every they they said it was anything magic? I am guessing one could dig around and find lackluster photos over every single method or strategy that has ever been attempted in reefkeeping.

 

[mc-cro]

I dont want to seem like I am bashing it, (although I guess maybe I am). I just get a little cynical when I see people jumping on the latest "it" product or method, hoping its the holy grail they have been after, yet the skip the basics.

here is a quote from the end of Scott Fellmans thread, its a good summary

Triton is not a “magic bullet”, your ticket to Easy Street, or the “Holy Grail” of reef keeping. Rather, it’s a way of managing a reef aquarium based upon a very accurate testing regimen and a specific husbandry protocol. It is not the only way you can run a successful reef aquarium. However, it is, in our opinion, an efficient, effective means to help you achieve a beautiful, thriving home reef aquarium, and we believe it is among the best methodologies available. Even with the empowerment provided by Triton’s accurate test information and quality protocols, there is no substitute for the passion, skill, and effort of the avid reef hobbyist-and that WILL always be an absolute!

 

[Acroholic]

In order to reduce certain elements that become elevated, Triton does suggest water changes as the solution. They have a salt mix they sell and/or recommend for such changes, but many salt mixes might work fine.

IMO, an alternative is to use part of the method (the testing) and then make corrections as needed (if any) based on the readings, but not necessarily involving their products.

I think the water testing aspect is perfectly fine for those that want to do it, but I cannot call that using any particular method. That is a $50 lab grade water analysis, applicable to anyone keeping reef tanks via any set of husbandry practices. A good thing.

My knowledge base of reef chemistry has come from reading your series of articles, Randy.

Exactly what I have done. My test results came back, and made a couple adjustments and moved on. Will test again in 6 months.

That is exactly how I would approach it were I to use their water testing service.

From a marketing standpoint, this company has hit a home run... but this method alone just isnt going to make your tank successful.

I had this discussion the other day, so I will just paste:

... its very important that you learn your tank, learn to balance your nutrient import and export, and each new tank usually takes a while to balance, even for experienced reefers. Knowledge is good, and I do think the water testing will eventually give the hobby good insight to some very specific, very minute details. All that being said, 99% of this whole campaign is a marketing ploy. "We have the magic bullet your tank is missing" - "no water changes". "Be empowered" Please...The average reef keeper with problems is missing basic steps to understanding and balancing their tank. In reading thru the details, even Triton themselves say you will still need to perform water changes to remedy waste accumulation. I equate this whole thing to diet pills. Here give us some money, and buy our products, and you will be "empowered" with a successful reef.

Highly accurate water testing is a fantastic thing for the hobby. But the Triton Method is just one of multiple companies competing for your reefing dollar with their own line of products to sell. No one can fault them for that, of course. But it is all the empowering and marketing hype that I don't like. And to see a real life Triton Method reef run for a year by a regular reefer with results that I can achieve without their $50 water tests and their exclusive line of products, why bother? The reef I linked to in England is not terrible, but it is not fantastic either, and certainly nothing I need the Triton Method to duplicate or improve on.

So a medium tank is proof that the concept isn't good? Just curious, have you ever had a setback in this hobby?

I never stated the concept would not work, but does that tank make you want to go out and buy their line of products, pay for their water tests, and adhere to their recommended husbandry practices? Not me.

Setbacks, what reefer in the hobby hasn't had a setback? Not sure what this has to do with the tank I linked to? That is just a real world picture and 66+ page thread of what his tank looks like after a year using the Triton Method.

We have all had set backs, I think the point is that spending a ton of money on the Triton method isnt going to magically give you a successful reef. Good basic husbandry skills always have and always will give you good results. If your tank is looking like crap, I wouldnt hold my breath that Triton method is going to fix it. I would spend my $50 on a new box of salt and get to siphoning the detritus and waste.

What I would also do.

I guess I didn't really see this particular method as really costing all that much although I don't think their range of dosing products is available here yet, but a water test every few months isn't crazy. They sell a fancy salt, but at least in Europe they only suggest using their salt to correct heavy metals, otherwise they suggest tropic martin salt.I won't be using their method, but I will use the water testing services. I don't every they they said it was anything magic? I am guessing one could dig around and find lackluster photos over every single method or strategy that has ever been attempted in reefkeeping.

Nothing wrong with an accurate water test, but that is not the Triton Method. It is just a water test. If you have your water tested by them and nothing else, they are just a water testing service.

And my mentioning the "Acroholic Method" was just tongue-in-cheek. I use a classic set of husbandry methods for managing organics that I learned from other, experienced reefers. Nothing original here.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

From a marketing standpoint, this company has hit a home run...

Maybe, but ICP machines are extremely expensive (mine cost $80,000, but that was about 10 years ago and they may be less expensive now). In any case, competitors charge far, far more than Triton for ICP based measurements (see ENC Labs - Chemical Analysis and Consulting for a comparison), so it will only be a home run if they can succeed long term.

 

[hatfielj]

Wow, Randy, thanks for pointing out how much these tests normally cost. A "Marine Plus" test is similar to what Triton offers and its $449 per test! So, yeah, we're getting a great deal. everyone should take advantage of this now while it lasts to at least know what's in your water. Especially if you've been doing things the same for a long time or if you're having trouble figuring out whats wrong with your tank.