Two Questions

[legend]

*When do you add your trace elements to your aquarium? I usually do it after my water change. Do you add everything in at the same time or do you space it out? I add everything in at the same time...i was just wondering if that was ok?
Trace elements i add
1) calcuim-about 15 drops per week
2)coral vite-about 20 drops per week
3) micro-for feeder filters-about 10 drops per week
4) iodine-lil shot once a week by my xenia
5) photophanton-about 15 drops per week
*How many snails do you guys recommend for a 20g reef tank? Right now i only have about 5 hermit crabs and about 4 snails. The Hair algae is kicking my clean up crews a$$, so i need some renforcedments to help out with the battle. I also just added a phosphate sponge to help control the aglae, i put it in my aqua 150 under my bio balls.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
John

 

[michaeltx]

1) calcuim-about 15 drops per week
2)coral vite-about 20 drops per week
3) micro-for feeder filters-about 10 drops per week
4) iodine-lil shot once a week by my xenia
5) photophanton-about 15 drops per week
actually you are only adding 2 elements (I think) the iodine and calcium.
here is the deal do you have test kts for the iodine? I am sure you have the calcium.
the iodine can be overdosed quickly and can become toxic so I wouldnt add it until you can test.
as far as trace most of them can be added with monthly water changes unless you have something thats using alot of the particular element.
# 2-5 are foods I would go by the bottle directions and lower if you dont have a large population of corals.
I am not sure what the coral vite is made of so I cant say anything about it.
I put 120 in my 100 to get a handle on the hair algae but as I pulled more hair algae out before the hair algae had choke the snails and hermits where they were eating (I had it really really really really bad though. you might try taking the rocks that you can out and use a toothbrush on them use some SW to dip it in as you do to help kep things alive.
Mike

 

[spsfreak100]

Originally posted by MichaelTX
actually you are only adding 2 elements (I think) the iodine and calcium.
I disagree with that statement. You get more than enough trace elements through your saltmix. Adding more iodine to the setup is not a good idea. Dr. Roland Shemik states that iodine in our aquariums is often 6x more than what it would be in the ocean. He also stated that people who regulary dose iodine often have 10-15x more iodine in their aquarium, than in the ocean. I agree with Michael that you should never add anything without testing it
iodine-lil shot once a week by my xenia
That would most likely kill it sooner or later. There's no direct evedince stating that Xenia will infact pulse becuase of iodine traceable in the water column. I would recommend you to not add anymore iodine to your aquarium, as you can easily overdose
coral vite-about 20 drops per week
Do you know what the contents are for the Coral Vite?
As far as trace elements, I only add Calcium and Kalkwasser to my tank regulary. I also have an Alkalinity and pH buffer just in case, which I do not usually dose.
Take Care,
Graham

 

[michaeltx]

SPS I ment on his list he was only adding 2 elements/
but we do agree LOL
as far as trace most of them can be added with monthly water changes unless you have something thats using alot of the particular element.

Mike

 

[spsfreak100]

Originally posted by MichaelTX
SPS I ment on his list he was only adding 2 elements/
Oops, sorry about that, Michael! I didn't catch that!
Graham