Trace element debate

florida joe

Well-Known Member
It seem like every time a hobbyist asks “should I add trace elements to my tank” the answer is “no they are not needed “
Coral Magazine, which I feel is a must read for reef as well as all type of system keepers has a great 22 page feature article on dosing trace elements.
 

nikesb

Active Member
hmm interesting, i might have to go pick up the latest issue. Did it say anything about zeo systems? I've been considering a zeo system for a while now
 

nikesb

Active Member
in short, its another way to reach UNLS. it gets much better coloration than vodka dosing though

corals are a vibrant pastel
the system also requires the dosing of certain elements depending on the color loss you are seeing from the system. one would dose iodine if their blues are lacking and other elements for pinks and greens
 

florida joe

Well-Known Member
The article references many additives for coral color enhancement. Iodine, potassium, strontium, iron and amino acids EST.
 

geoj

Active Member
I have read the article also and it is just one more group of people that are in agreement that there is reason to keep corals in seawater equivalent water. There needs more study but the authors of the articles are well respected sorceress. The only issue is that some people do not have the skills necessary to dose trace elements... So only those of us that have had successes in dosing should attempted it.
 
E

eric b 125

Guest
those zeovit systems are boss. i've been doing some research and asking around about them. the only downside is the expense of the zeo supplements. they're not outrageously priced if you're a hardcore sps'er, but for someone like me just getting into sps they are a bit up there. i was talking to anthony calfo at our last club meeting and he was telling me that you dont need to use the zeo brand supplements with one to make it work. still not sure my tank would warrant one yet, though.
 

nikesb

Active Member
you dont need to use the zeo brand at all, but the zeo brand are more concetrated and should last longer than other stuff like brightwell. i would try vodka dosing first. zeovit requires many many checks
 

mkroher

Member
I'm looking into Zeovit as well.
I'm not worried about the cost at all. Still doing my research and reading a ton on their forums.
 

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Quote:
. So only those of us that have had successes in dosing should attempted it.


That sounds like a Yogi-ism but the reason I posted the thread was just to supply food for thought to those hobbyists that just read the stock reply’s when the questions about dosing trace elements come up. I am a true believer that one MUST research before implementation.
 

spanko

Active Member
The vodka dosing I am doing is in conjunction with Prodibio Nano products which are added at the rate for a 10 gallon tank once per week. These include
BIO DIGEST
Is composed of selected nitrifying and nitrate/phosphate reducing bacterial strains. BIO DIGEST establishes biological filtration, and cleans aquariums biologically by digesting waste matter by means of nine optimally proportioned strains of Heterotrophic bacteria including Paracoccus denitrificans andPseudomonas stuzerii.
Bio Digest Dose: 1 vial/40 Ltrs (10.5 Gallons) every 15 days
BIOPTIM
Is a concentrate of TRACE ELEMENTS which speeds up biological activity. Bioptim speeds up the reproduction of purifying bacteria and the production of aquarium waste digesting enzymes by up to 10 times.
Bioptim Dose: 1 vial/40 Ltrs (10.5 Gallons) every 15 days
REEF BOOSTER
Is an enriched combination of essential nutritional supplements for the development of invertebrates primarily or partly feeding on microscopic plankton, including symbiotic algae-bearing corals - Zooxanthellae - for which a microscopic plankton booster is necessary. Contains Phospholipids, amino acids, marine type fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids.
Reef Booster Dose: 1 vial/40 Ltrs (10.5 Gallons) once a week stopping skimmer and filter for half an hour.
IODI+

Iodine supplement for reef aquarium. Iodine performs a very important role as a trace element in the aquarium environment. IODI+ is an iodine/iodide compound that contains all the forms of iodine required for coral development and coloration.
Iodi+ Dose: 1 vial/40 Ltrs (10.5 Gallons) every 15 days
Keep away from children. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
STRONTI+

Strontium is an essential trace element in the reef aquarium environment. It stimulates growth in hard corals and assists in the development of the red calcareous that produce the live rock decor.
Stronti+ Dose: 1 vial/40 Ltrs (10.5 Gallons) every 15 days
I also add 2 drops of Brightwell Amino Acids a day.
All of this strictly to keep the darker color associated with the SPS coral. I am not a fan of the paster looking colors, although there are many very nice large tanks out there that are pastel.
 

spanko

Active Member
"Well now if I were the president of this land
You know I'd declare total war on the pusher man.
I'd cut him if he stands, and I'd shoot him if he run..........................................
 

bang guy

Moderator
If a hobbiest has reasearched, knows why they want to dose an element, understands the pros & cons, tests levels, understands the dosage amounts, and tracks tank levels then it's a good thing.
Dosing because someone else does, or only because someone told them to is not good IMO.
 

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bang Guy http:///forum/thread/384580/trace-element-debate#post_3369660
If a hobbiest has reasearched, knows why they want to dose an element, understands the pros & cons, tests levels, understands the dosage amounts, and tracks tank levels then it's a good thing.
Dosing because someone else does, or only because someone told them to is not good IMO.
Wow you said a mouth full Bang and not only in relationship to dosing trace elements or carbon sources. In every aspect of this hobby, the sheep are destined to fail. One must not follow blindly just because someone said so. Even the most fundamental principles of this hobby should not be taken for granted. The more your research the more you question and the more you learn. This allows you to bring to the table info that will encourage others to question and research and on and on for the benefit of our hobby.
Or so my very good Irish gin and tonic leads me to believe
 
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