I guess I should clarify a bit. The tank is very mature. Usually things like problems with the 2 Ns are obvious very rapidly by a change in algae growth or coral extension. If I have an
Ammonia problem I think it is time to just rip the tank down and go back to gold fish. I do have a
PH meter on the tank – in the 8.3 range. And I do an occasional test on Dkh – in the 10.5 range. I find the
Ca test kits a bit finicky especial with my color blindness. But when I persevere it is usually a bit over 400. I am eyeing the Pinpoint
Ca monitor. I have seen some questionable reviews, but there seemed to be a positive article on it in RC (I think). One item I over looked and probably never tested for is
Phosphates and I suppose that a problem with that could have visual clues like the 2 Ns but be a different problem.
I guess what I was more looking for is – Are people dosing anything in addition to the 2 reactors. Such as
Iodine, Strontium, Iron, Sulfuric Acid???? Well at lest the first three – with any positive results. It seems that the aquarium trade has come out with all kinds of miracle chemicals that they claim your critters can not live with out. Instead if just writing them off, I thought I would ask. I know that Strontium is part of the benefits of the
Ca Reactor, but does it supply enough? I know Rob has mentioned in the TR Podcasts that he adds
Iodine it in small amounts. Is
Iodine something I can expect that would come from a
Ca Reactor? Kind of think not, but I know it is one thing you do not want to add too much of. I know that at one time Iron was a recommend element because of its effect on algae – that would be positive for
macro algae.
Alk (Dkh) should be held steady by the
Kalk… I think. And with two sources of
Ca I would think I am good there. Although, I had a coral farmer tell me that almost all
Ca Reactors are under rated for a decent tank. If this is true and from what I hear Rob saying in Podcasts the only option might be a 2 part
Ca. Back to my visually method of testing my
coralline algae growth is pretty impressive. So my finger in the air method says
Ca is good.
Any thoughts?
Thanks for all the thought comments,
Mark
