What reef management program do you recommend?

Kitjo · Mar 9, 2022

As I'm researching in preparation of our new/first reef tank, I wonder what management system you would recommend for a new reefer?

I'd like a framework that will help guide me through the management process. I understand there are many ways to skin a cat, so to speak, and I plan on diving deep into the biochemistry of reefing; I find it fascinating.
But I'd like to follow a program that allows me to monitor and adjust based on established parameters instead of trying to reinvent the wheel myself.

Red Sea Reef Care Program?
Triton Method?
Zeovit?
Others?

Thanks!

DeniseAndy · Mar 9, 2022

Good luck on your journey!

Unfortunately, I started a while back, soooooo I have not tried any of those methods. Well, unless the methods I use are now named. Never researched that.

I go with the Zen, follow your instinct kind of method. I lucked out with great equipment from the beginning and good reading materials.

Drummingbaker2010 · Mar 9, 2022

Kitjo said:
As I'm researching in preparation of our new/first reef tank, I wonder what management system you would recommend for a new reefer?

I'd like a framework that will help guide me through the management process. I understand there are many ways to skin a cat, so to speak, and I plan on diving deep into the biochemistry of reefing; I find it fascinating.
But I'd like to follow a program that allows me to monitor and adjust based on established parameters instead of trying to reinvent the wheel myself.

Red Sea Reef Care Program?
Triton Method?
Zeovit?
Others?

Thanks!

I think it's a very personal opinion and which one best fits your personal desires. I have recently gotten back into the hobby myself, and I know what the ideal maintained parameters should be, but I wasn't aware of any programs available at the time when I started, so I may not be the best person to answer this post as thoroughly as you might like. I can only provide you with the ideal finished tank parameters, and ideal maintenance guidelines, but you may already be aware of those. Best of luck.

shakacuz · Mar 9, 2022

there is the reef moonshiners method which is similar to the triton method. i have recently started this so i do not have much experience with it. but it is very simple to follow. initial cost is high depending what your 1st ICP results show, but over time it balances out.

dmsc2fs · Mar 9, 2022

I am doing similar. Part of the struggle of any method is they are more aligned to a established tank. Many of them are based on ICP water tests to judge what you should dose your tank with. I plan to do this, but not at first. As your tank is getting established it shouldn't be low on just about anything. You don't have large mature corals consuming elements, for example. I have been using AquaticLog to track my Aklalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, PH, Phosphate, Nitrate and Salinity. I have just recently started dosing and once I am seeing that I have to dose consistently and I see a trend forming I plan to switch over to the moonshiners method. For now, with a small handful of corals I just don't see the value yet, my dosing requirements are not there yet.