water additives

[calvindo]

what should i consider adding into my tank, with a 20% water change, every 2 weeks? or should i add anything at all...

 

[daniel411]

Regular water changes, for the most part, will replace your trace elements. Other than that, what you need to watch is maintaining your ph, alkalinity, calcium levels.
Adding such things as iodine, magnesium, and other minerals individually can lead to alot of trouble. Theres no way of accurately measuring iodine. Its also poisonous if you overdose, which is easy to do. Basic rule of thumb, if you don't test it, don't adjust it.

 

[calvindo]

thank you. glad to hear that... i dont feel comfortable adding additives into my tank. hope water changes does the job.

 

[beaslbob]

Originally posted by calvindo
what should i consider adding into my tank, with a 20% water change, every 2 weeks? or should i add anything at all...
I don't do water changes and use straight tap water and have since the late 70's. I also do not use any additives so that should be a hint. Longest single running salt tank 6 years.
As Kip stated there seems to be some need for additives. My recommendation is that you test and insure you really need additives. Sometimes you may add things to the water when there is already too much of that there already.

 

[kingsman39]

Beaslbob, do you by chance have an UGF?

 

[calvindo]

thanks... i will do some water tests before adding them. also, is there a particular salt brand that is better with levels then the rest?