What all do I need besides calcium??

[Lady G]

So, I'm looking through all the different additives for a Reef...what all should I buy what is a waste???

Thanks guys/gals!!

[Reefscape]

What you will need will all depend on the coral stocking really....the two common ones people need is a calcium product, and maybe a 2 part buffer...One thing to remember though, what ever product you buy, always ensure you have a matching test kit... :)

[Lady G]

Thanks Niko....do they make a Salifert test kit?

[Reefscape]

Yes, there is a full range of Salifert kits on the MarineDepot.com site :)

[Lady G]

Yes, there is a full range of Salifert kits on the MarineDepot.com site :)

I don't want to buy all separate though??? You are confusing me NIKO!

[Catpicklesdog]

I found it's better to buy seperate test kits. I used to have a combi test kit but found I'd always run out of certain tests way before the others. NitrAtes and phosphates were my regular ones to run out of. I'd then buy another set and end up with copius quantities of certain bottles and one bottle of nitrAtes. At least with seperates kits you buy new ones as and when you've run out.

[Lady G]

Well, of coarse I'd replace them as needed...but to start out, the master kits just seem to make more since (money wise) to me?:)

[clown-lover]

LadyG a lot of us use the API test kit for the basics. pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate. As to you other question, no salifert doesn't make a combo kit. You'll have to buy each kit that you need seperately. But until you get calcium using corals or high light corals quite honestly IMO I don't think you need anything but the basic kit. If you get a 'nem or other phtosynthisis coral 6 to 12 months down the road then your going to want to get a magnesium test kit. If you get any calcium using corals then you'll want to start dosing calcium and get a calcium test kit.

Change in thought.. your probably going to want a phosphate test kit right away. Some people dose iodine for their inverts, but honestly I don't feel that is necessary if you are performing good routine tank maintenance.

[Lady G]

LadyG a lot of us use the API test kit for the basics. pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate. As to you other question, no salifert doesn't make a combo kit. You'll have to buy each kit that you need seperately. But until you get calcium using corals or high light corals quite honestly IMO I don't think you need anything but the basic kit. If you get a 'nem or other phtosynthisis coral 6 to 12 months down the road then your going to want to get a magnesium test kit. If you get any calcium using corals then you'll want to start dosing calcium and get a calcium test kit.

Change in thought.. your probably going to want a phosphate test kit right away. Some people dose iodine for their inverts, but honestly I don't feel that is necessary if you are performing good routine tank maintenance.

If it isn't necessary I will wait on it...haven't added iodine yet so I should be ok I think. Plus I do weekly WCs. Right now since I am still buying equipment, I'd like to just get what I REALLY need right now, then I can get into things I will need eventually.

[Amphiprion]

While calcium demand won't be all that high, you should still keep an eye on alkalinity (testing and adding a buffer or one half of a two part solution), as there will be a demand placed on that. I recommend this site (http://reef.diesyst.com/) and plain Arm & Hammer baking soda to maintain alkalinity. Of course, you will need a decent accompanying test kit, as well.

[Subliminal]

How big is your tank?

I run my 29g the nano-reef way. I don't really dose anything...just 20% water changes per week with reef crystals. My corals look really happy, but my coraline spreads pretty slow. I don't really mind though...I have too darn much on my plate to be doing daily tests....or at least that's what I tell myself to feel better about it. ;)

[Lady G]

While calcium demand won't be all that high, you should still keep an eye on alkalinity (testing and adding a buffer or one half of a two part solution), as there will be a demand placed on that. I recommend this site (http://reef.diesyst.com/) and plain Arm & Hammer baking soda to maintain alkalinity. Of course, you will need a decent accompanying test kit, as well.
Cool, thank you!!


How big is your tank?

I run my 29g the nano-reef way. I don't really dose anything...just 20% water changes per week with reef crystals. My corals look really happy, but my coraline spreads pretty slow. I don't really mind though...I have too darn much on my plate to be doing daily tests....or at least that's what I tell myself to feel better about it. ;)

It is a 55 Sub, not much at all in it right now just about 30lbs live rock, 10 hermits, and a Damsel that came with the tank...well apparently a bristle worm too LOL!! So....do you feel better???

[clown-lover]

While calcium demand won't be all that high, you should still keep an eye on alkalinity (testing and adding a buffer or one half of a two part solution), as there will be a demand placed on that. I recommend this site (http://reef.diesyst.com/) and plain Arm & Hammer baking soda to maintain alkalinity. Of course, you will need a decent accompanying test kit, as well.

See thats why I'm glad amp is back. I whipped out that post to fast and as I was leaving for work I had a nagging feeling I forgot something. Sorry I should have taken my time in posting ladyG

[Amphiprion]

See thats why I'm glad amp is back. I whipped out that post to fast and as I was leaving for work I had a nagging feeling I forgot something. Sorry I should have taken my time in posting ladyG

Hey, that is why everyone is here...we have to keep each other sharp. If one person forgets something crucial, there is always someone else to add it in. Makes me feel better, especially when I forget stuff (eh, I feel old :drool:).

[Grins]

No kidding. I get PMs asking for help and I always try to get them to post here so that they can get more than just my opinion.