WC vs Automated dosing

[SF_Ice]

So I originally posted this in chemistry but got no replies

I think I'd like to try to start a hybrid Triton-ish tank. I've been stretching out my water changes to 20% every 2-3 weeks now. As far as I'm aware, the only reason I'm doing these WC is to replenish my trace elements. My tank (low stocking) does not accumulate nitrates (Red Sea 0ppm) and my GFO keeps PO4 (red sea) it around .03. I plan to send in a 4 week old water sample for an ICP test to confirm my theory.

Does this make sense? I'm relatively new to the hobby (8months) but I feel that I've been having good success. I currently am doing minimal 2 part dosing using Bright Well Code A and B. I could probably maintain with more frequent WCs however after doing the math dosing is cheaper than my WC schedule with TM Pro and purchased RODI.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[Samina]

What are all of your parameters? And how much are you dosing?

Dosing a two-part and not doing water changes can lead to ionic and trace element imbalances. Many have success with the balling method in that scenario. But since you have been doing some water changes as well, you may be ok since your tank is still young. I think you have the right thought and definitely should get an ICP done before you make the switch.

Personally, instead of solely relying on dosing going forward until you make the switch, I would advise you to do as many water changes as you can to get to a balanced ionic level within the water. You can still dose your 2 part to makeup for the demand within the tank. But also send off an ICP and then you’ll see how everything is looking and it’ll give you information on what corrective actions you need to take.

What is the reason you are looking to switch to Triton? And do you plan on using Triton Reef Supplements (other methods)? The reason I ask, and I mean it in the best possible way so please don’t get offended, is that since you are still new and learning with this tank and you say it is doing well, a huge change like switching to Triton can really shake things up a bit. Triton supplements are strong; testing/adjusting frequently is something you’ll have to do in order to utilize and incorporate the system without it wreaking havoc on your coral. It can be a bit much for a hobbyist. Just my opinion. I am using Triton Base Elementz on my setup and I am happy with it, however, it is not easy as just setting up dosing pumps and sending off ICP test here and there. There is a bit more work to it and you have to do the corrective actions they will lay out for you from the results of the analysis or the animals will suffer. Just my opinion

 

[SF_Ice]

Ca 440
Alk 9.1-9.3
Ph 8.4
Po4 .03
NO3 <1ppm
Mg 1310

Currently dosing 13ml of alk and 30ml of calcium daily.

I’m looking to go towards triton as I do minimal wc now and everything seems very healthy. The only reason I’m doing wc right now is to replenish trace elements (in my opinion).

I guess I just look to triton as it is a method with little wcs and dosing what’s lacking. Seems like kind of what I’m doing already. Just figures the triton folks are very helpful and it’s a well documented method.

No offense taken! I’m here to learn and I really appreciate your in depth response. I’d love to absorb anything else you have to offer.

 

[Mical]

I'm doing something similar to what you're suggesting. I haven't done a water change in 6mos. But I dose Alk & Cal and do the red sea 4 part (Red Sea Trace Colors) weekly for trace elements.

 

[SF_Ice]

What are all of your parameters? And how much are you dosing?

Dosing a two-part and not doing water changes can lead to ionic and trace element imbalances. Many have success with the balling method in that scenario. But since you have been doing some water changes as well, you may be ok since your tank is still young. I think you have the right thought and definitely should get an ICP done before you make the switch.

Personally, instead of solely relying on dosing going forward until you make the switch, I would advise you to do as many water changes as you can to get to a balanced ionic level within the water. You can still dose your 2 part to makeup for the demand within the tank. But also send off an ICP and then you’ll see how everything is looking and it’ll give you information on what corrective actions you need to take.

What is the reason you are looking to switch to Triton? And do you plan on using Triton Reef Supplements (other methods)? The reason I ask, and I mean it in the best possible way so please don’t get offended, is that since you are still new and learning with this tank and you say it is doing well, a huge change like switching to Triton can really shake things up a bit. Triton supplements are strong; testing/adjusting frequently is something you’ll have to do in order to utilize and incorporate the system without it wreaking havoc on your coral. It can be a bit much for a hobbyist. Just my opinion. I am using Triton Base Elementz on my setup and I am happy with it, however, it is not easy as just setting up dosing pumps and sending off ICP test here and there. There is a bit more work to it and you have to do the corrective actions they will lay out for you from the results of the analysis or the animals will suffer. Just my opinion

So you think I’d be better off to maybe slow down my wc schedule and stay away from the core7? Or do some wcs to rebalance the tank and slowly implement the core7?

What are the major things I’m not considering as someone who hasn’t done this method before?

I'm doing something similar to what you're suggesting. I haven't done a water change in 6mos. But I dose Alk & Cal and do the red sea 4 part (Red Sea Trace Colors) weekly for trace elements.

So instead of using the core7 triton additives , you are using the Red Sea trace and colors 4 part? Have you been having good success. What are your dosing amount daily/weekly?

Thanks for the responses!

 

[Mical]

I dose roughly 5ml of each of Red Seas 4 color trace elements weekly into my 65g & 10ml weekly into my 120g. My monti and frogspawn literally doubled in weeks. I also dose CoralAmino 5ml in both ATOs weekly.

 

[SF_Ice]

I dose roughly 5ml of each of Red Seas 4 color trace elements weekly into my 65g & 10ml weekly into my 120g. My monti and frogspawn literally doubled in weeks. I also dose CoralAmino 5ml in both ATOs weekly.

Wow that is some massive growth. I've been looking into CoralAmino but LFS does not stock them but they are coming in soon. Are you dosing the Red Sea elements on a doser? or are you dosing by hand?

 

[Mical]

I dose Red Sea by hand. Part of my Sunday ritual w/tanks - Test Alk - Cal - Mag, clean skimmers, clean ATO sensors, fill ATO res', & dose RS, then feed nems Sunday brunch - "clams on the halve-shell"

 

[Samina]

So you think I’d be better off to maybe slow down my wc schedule and stay away from the core7? Or do some wcs to rebalance the tank and slowly implement the core7?

What are the major things I’m not considering as someone who hasn’t done this method before?



So instead of using the core7 triton additives , you are using the Red Sea trace and colors 4 part? Have you been having good success. What are your dosing amount daily/weekly?

Thanks for the responses!

If you would like to start Triton, I would definitely recommend using the supplements that are part of their “other methods” line. Reason being is that with the traditional Triton method Base Elementz, there are traces in their to promote algae growth for an adequately sized refugium. Since you are using GFO as your export means, adding that fuel could promote micro algae growth. I do not have space for a adequately sized refugium in relation to display due to space but I use Core7 Base Elementz and am able to utilize my Chaeto Reactor and now also a ATS to keep my nutrients stable and in line. The Reef Supplements that are part of the “other methods” do not contain those additives and trace elements that promote algae growth like Base Elementz does.

As far as your question, I would continue water changes as much as possible and as large as possible so that when you first send off your ICP, your not really imbalanced. Once you get those results, it’ll tell you what all you need to do and dose but those additives can add up quickly cost wise and so it can turn out to be more expensive to correct. But by doing those water changes, especially with TM pro salt, you will be able to correct the imbalances and be in a good range.

Also, on a side note, a lot of folks have great success with Red Sea 4 part like @Mical (nice tank btw!!) so that is also another option to consider. I have never used that so I can’t speak to any insight on it just from hearing about it from others and ho have used it. Another option is the balling method.