Supplements, Testing, Chemicals, Oh My!

[Melanie]

I'd like to hear what you do with your own reef and your comments or suggestions.

I've continually read not to supplement anything I cannot test for. Yet I have also read that many trace elements cannot be tested for and are necessary to add to the reef tank. It is suggested that skimming, ozone, and carbon filtration remove these untestables. So my first question to you is, do you supplement trace elements and why/why not?

Second, does anyone test for or supplement molybdenum? I cannot seem to find a reasonably priced aquarium test for this element. There are industrial tests that cost more than my entire system but that seems a little overkill.

[Woodstock]

Because of the danger, I NEVER recommend adding any supplement that can not be tested for, however, I occassionally add strontium/molybedenum/iodide/iron.

[DrHank]

Agree completely with Doni!

[Melanie]

From what I can find, the only thing on Woodstock's list that I cannot reasonably test for is molybednum. Unless someone can give me a link.

[cheeks69]

If your doing regular water changes then I wouldn't worry about testing or supplementing these trace elements. Most if not all artificial salt mixes contain these elements at much higher concentrations then is found natural salt water and to supplement these would be walking a tightrope IMHO. There's a reason why they're called trace elements and I've never seen personally or read anything that would indicate that these trace elements can be beneficial if kept higher than normal levels.

The only thing I do is regular water changes and use a 2 part calcium/alkalinity supplement.

[framerguy]

The only thing I add that I cant test for now is Seachem Reef Trace. I soak the food in it and garlic and so far so good, been doing it for a year now. I stopped adding iodine and magnesium when I started using TM Pro salt about six weeks ago.

[lcstorc]

I rarely add supplements at all and only those that I test for. I do however do a 20% water change every two to three weeks.

[AQTCJAK]

As far as trace elements are concerned I do not add any I rely on the water changes.

[prow]

i only add the biggies, balanced Mg, balanced Ca,ALK(two types)

[CATALYST]

I add vitamin C and garlic. Can't test for those. On Wed, I add alk. Other than that, just water changes.

[bluespotjawfish]

Kalk with my ATO
Two Part Solution (Alk/Calc/Mag)
Kent Strontium/molybedenum
Lugals Iodine
Kent Iron

My tests show I need these supplements (the molybedenum is part of the strontium supplement, so I don't test for that) in between water changes.

[cheeks69]

My tests show I need these supplements

Really ? Which test kits are you using ? I know of no hobby test kit that can measure Iodine with any accuracy. If you want to continue to dose I would opt for Iodide which is much easier to test for and will be safer than Iodine.

[framerguy]

Originally Posted by cheeks69

Really ? Which test kits are you using ? I know of no hobby test kit that can measure Iodine with any accuracy. If you want to continue to dose I would opt for Iodide which is much easier to test for and will be safer than Iodine.

I'm with Cheeks on this one. Iodide is the usable end product of iodine after it processes in the tank and is much safer.