Black powder?

[MikeP]

When I was first setting up my tank I was in a LFS and one of the staff was telling me about something called black powder and how awsome it was. But continued to say they don't sell it but if I find some I should buy it. Well I found another store that sells it so should I get some? What will it do for my tank? I haven't actually read the container so I don't even know what the manufaturer claims it will do. This lady talked like it was one of the best things you can do for your tank though.

Any info would be great
Thanks

[RonPeter]

I've never used it but I haven't heard anything good about it.

[Ruth]

If it is the same stuff I am thinking of it is a Marc Weiss product and IME they are all hockus pockus crap. I tried using it for a while on a former tank and I cannot say for sure it was the black powder but man did I get a cyano outbreak - that would not go away. I was using canister filters with sponge though which was also contributing to high nitrates but my best guess is the combination of a canister filter and black powder = instant cyano.

[zulu_principle]

This is the only additive we use in our 65 Gallon Softie Tank.

We have not experienced Cyanobacteria or any detremental effects to our water quality. But I have experienced fabulous polyp extension, great growth rates from all our softies, including our flourscent green Clavularia.

I feel we are a little different in that I do not recommend additives that I have not used in my systems and have seen positive effects on my inhabitants.

I dont believe this additive would have positive effects on sps tanks and have not experimented with it on lps systems.

MHEO


Wendell

www.oceanaquatics.com

[MikeP]

My tank is currently FOWLR (but I'm thinking of upgrading the lights to have some 'easy' corals). The Marc Weiss website says it will do great things for live rock has anyone thats used it noticed any improvement in their live rock?

[andrewsk]

MikeP

What store is it that sells it in Calgary?

I did some research online and it sounds interesting. I think I will get some and do some experimenting for sure.

Thay have a product called "Combo Vital" that has Black Powder and Specra Vital that sounds even more interesting.

I am currently using PolypLabs "System Refresh" and I also have a Miracle Mud Refugium and dose the Ecosystem Fish solution so I am not sure if this new product would cancel either of these out or not.

What I think I will do is buy some of this and run 2 of my quarantine tanks with some live rock and a couple of Frags in each. One I will dose one with the product and one ill leave alone to see if there is a difference.