Are reef supplements really necessary and if so what kind?

[arlong1]

Are supplements (calcium,iodine, phytoplankton, etc.) really necessary in maintaing a healthy reef aquarium or are they naturally there under good conditions. If so, can you list some of the ones you use since there are so many kinds. Thank you.

 

[Fishieness]

they are only necessary in some cases. Ca, ALK, etc are very important and necessary if you test for them and they come ou;t low. i have to dose lots and LOTS of Ca suppliment but i have a large collection of sps. many reefs, and pretty much all just starting dont need any type of dosing. only certain corals can even use phyto, and only a few actualy need it.

 

[Dustin83]

In my opinion (and some may agree or disagree), as long as you use good salt mix and do consistent water change, you really don't need to add any supplements (MAYBE calcium once in awhile).

 

[Nick540]

I agree, water changes is enough i beleive but that also depends on the tank and what corals one has.

 

[blockamon]

If you have lots for hard corals, you will need to supplement Ca, Alk, and Mg. Others are optional and have not really been proven to be necessary or beneficial.

Phytoplankton and zooplankton are another matter in that it is a food, not a supplement. Whether you need it or not depends on what you keep and how quickly you want the corals to grow. For example, flame scallops will required phyto if you want in chance (slim though it is) of keeping them. Small clams (<~3" or so) also require phyto. Zooplankton are required for some gorgonians and probably necessary for gonipora (and maybe alveolopora). It will also aid in the growth rate of other corals, such as SPS. LPS corals do best when fed meaty foods like mysis or similar.

 

[Subliminal]

Yep, good possibility you'll need ca, alk, and mg.

Buttt......you just need a good test kit for those three things, as you don't want to dose if you don't know where you're at.