Newbie question about buffers, etc

GatorDrew

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Apr 19, 2006
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Alright - instead of making a slew of threads about the chemicals I was told to use, I figured that I can just make a general thread.

  1. The old LFS told me to get "Marine Buffer" to get my pH stabilized. I was about to get it again... except when I was reading a bit more, was told that it could often raise phosphates. So, I'm looking at either Reef Buffer by Seachem or Superbuffer-dKH by Kent.
  2. Previously, I used Oceanic salt. However, it appears that most people here like Reef Crystals. My next water change will be using that :)
  3. To raise calcium I've been using Reef Advantage Calcium by Seachem and Purple Up (not any more). I think most people like Tech•CB Part A/B by Kent. Anything else recommended to raise calcium and make the corals/coralline happy? :huh:
  4. Use Vita Chem and Kent Marine Concentrated Iodine once per week. Use Garlic Xtreme while feeding (2-3x per week).
  5. Plan to use Seachem Prime Water Conditioner, unless I get my water from my LFS or purchase a RO/DI unit.
Alright. As you can see I need some help... :help: I really appreciate all your help. I'm in the midst of testing my tap water for pH, ammonia, Nitrates and Nitrites. Will post results shortly :) Until then, I'm gonna keep reading through some threads... lots of research to be done!
 
Use half oceanic half reef crystals for a few changes so you don't shovk the corals, I like superbuffer-DKH in my tanks if needed, I use Kalk for calcium, get an ro unit!!!
 
i agree with what JoJo said...you may find that you dont need to use the pH buffer when you switch, RC does a good job on its own...Only use buffers if you test results show that it is needed...

Dont need to be using vitachem or iodine if you keep up with you water changes..Garlic i agree with...

Niko
 
Ok. Not so bad....

Tap water:

pH: >8.6 (My meter only goes up to 8.6 and the tap water was DEFINITELY above it. Really deep purple... I would guess 8.8 - 8.9)
Ammonia: ~.1
Nitrates: Undetectable
Nitrites: Undetectable

Just ordered a phosphate test kit. Either way, you guys have talked me into using RO/DI water. I'll get that within the month. Until that time, I'll get a bucket and get the water from my LFS. That means no chlorine, etc :)
 
On an up note your ro filters should last a while as long as your water is low in TDS!!!
 
i agree with what JoJo said...you may find that you dont need to use the pH buffer when you switch, RC does a good job on its own...Only use buffers if you test results show that it is needed...

Dont need to be using vitachem or iodine if you keep up with you water changes..Garlic i agree with...

Niko
yup very true...i need to buff sometimes with calcium cause my LPS corals grow alot but if it wasnt for that the Reef crystals salt would take careof it...i use the Kent Tech-CB buffer when needed though.
 
I dose Kalk and only have one SPS. I like runnign a high calcium at the start to help the coraline along, of course proper ALK never hurts!!!
 
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