Trace Elements

[reefer12]

I have a 75 gal. tank and I do water changes every 4 weeks even if all my #'s are good. In doing this is there any need in buying bottles of different trace elements such as iodine, strontium, etc. I have had a low calcium problem b4 and started adding Purple Up and it has kept my calcium perfect and has given my coraline a hell of a boost. I just figured w/ regular water changes I shouldnt have to spend the money on all these other supplements...right???

 

[bang guy]

If you're only doing monthly water changes I would test Calcium and Alkalinity every week and Magnesium every couple/few weeks. If you have a very heavy coral load then it may be worthwhile testing and dosing other minor trace elements but for the average hobbiest I don't believe it is necessary.

 

[reefer12]

I check my calcium weekly and ever since I've started using Purple Up my calcium has steadily been 420

 

[bang guy]

It's more important to test Alkalinity than Calcium for corals and coraline.

 

[reefkprz]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bang Guy http:///t/392894/trace-elements#post_3491732
It's more important to test Alkalinity than Calcium for corals and coraline.
he's not kidding with rampant coraline and coral growth alk is important for their ability to bind (or precipitate) calcium into structure. you can have all kinds opf calcium but the corals and coraline cant bind it or utilize it without enough alk to force it to precipitate in their skeletal systems. you dont want to precipitate it out of your water but you want to keep it high enougbh that the corals and algae dont have to work as hard to form it to buikld themselves.