What supplements to add?

[lion_crazz]

The more magnesium you have, the less calcium carbonate will precipitate out of the water.
From an article by Dr. Randy Holmes Farley:

More interestingly, the magnesium levels were found to have a very large impact on the rate of precipitation. In batches with no magnesium, and at natural calcium and elevated carbonate levels, calcium carbonate was found to precipitate in minutes. With a natural seawater level of magnesium added to that mix, the precipitation was delayed to 13 to 20 hours. With double the natural magnesium concentration, the precipitation was delayed to 22 to 29 hours.
Magnesium is an important ion for reef aquarists. In addition to its many biological functions, it serves to prevent the excessive precipitation of calcium carbonate from both seawater and aquarium water. Since both calcium and alkalinity are very important to organisms that we keep, making sure that they are not lost to excessive precipitation is an important part of aquarium husbandry.

 

[larryndana]

gotcha, thanks.
while we are on the topic of elements. i was wondering about iodine, strontium, boron. i see tests for them so who uses these, and/or why?

 

[aztec reef]

Originally Posted by larryndana
gotcha, thanks.
while we are on the topic of elements. i was wondering about iodine, strontium, boron. i see tests for them so who uses these, and/or why?

no need to test something that you're not adding. unless you add additives like iodine. no need at this point..

 

[lion_crazz]

You are just picking my brain, aren't you?

Here is a general idea of what the three elements are important in doing.
Boron is important for calcium utilization and nucleic acid synthesis.
Iodine is used in the growth of soft corals, as well as the molting of invertebrates like shrimp and crabs.
Strontium is a trace element necessary for organisms to create calcium-based skeletons Corals, clams, even coralline algae need small amounts of strontium to grow. If overdosed, strontium can be toxic to many animals.
There really is little need to test for these though, unless you are dosing for them. In a heavily stocked SPS tank, you would want to test for them and possibly dose them. However, in a regularly stocked reef tank, regular partial water changes replenishes these elements.

 

[larryndana]

Yup, brain picking today.
Thanks for the info, i've always wondered about iodine. Testing for it and keeping it high for good growth. But then again, regular water changes are probably all that is needed.
I've bought nothing but frags and enjoy watching them grow, just always curious as to what to give them a boost growth....even though i don't have a problem with them growing now.
Thanks

 

[volitan_fa]

I've used Oceanic salt in a 10 gal and a 14 gal nano (new) and never had a problem in the 10 gallon. In this 14 gal though I found my levels to be about 520 after being up for about 5 days. I'm starting to dose Seachem Marine Buffer and Reef Carbonate...Is this a good course of action?

 

[triggerphish]

Originally Posted by larryndana
.
I've bought nothing but frags and enjoy watching them grow
I am with you frags are fun to watch grow and is a sign that your doing something right. I used to get free frags fromthe lfs i worked at years back. i guess now they realize they can make money of one shroom.