new reef

[mlm]

I am just starting out on a reef tank and I had a question. First let me tell you that I have a 55 gallon tank, prizim skimmer, fluval 404 (biofiltration only), 60 pounds live sand, 60 pounds of live rock and a 4 lamp vho. I was wodering if all the additives and suplements that they sell such as calcium, iodine,.....etc are really necessary for coral growth and helth or is it just companies trying to make money?

 

[lilmojo79]

mlm, I am a beginner also and I had the same problem with deciding what supplements to use. I am currently using calcium and iodide. I chose these because MANY reef keepers have used only these supplements and have had wonderful results. As far as your setup sounds, everything sounds great! Welcome to the hobby.
P.S. The best choice you made was joining this message board. You learn a ton!

 

[burnnspy]

Their making money, I recommend kent turbo calcium and Kalkwasser for calcium maintenance and Aragamilk or Seachem Reef Builder for alkalinity buffering. Two or three products are all that is necessary.
You tank is shy of enough LS, you need like 120lbs in your tank and the canister should have all filtration removed plastic or otherwise.
Check out my website for info on questions beginners usually ask in my Reef Basics page.
BurnNSpy

 

[predator]

Well, I'v got a couple of tanks and I do use the chemicals. I also work at a pet store and will tell you that you do not need all of them, but highly recommend some. The iodine is impotant. Kent Marine makes a tech cb part A and part B. I use the two and it not only gives my tank calcium, but balances it.I don't know often you test your water but do it often. It's not hard to over it do it with that calcium.

 

[vkesu]

Does anyone use the Kent Zoecon or Zoe. My sailfin has developed a couple of places above his eyes where the coloring is gone. I was thinking hole in the head? Zoecon said it worked well for this. Reef safe? Any thoughts?