Balling method

[FragIt Dan]

I have run Balling and close representations to Balling over the years and always run into nutrient buildup issues. I have not spent money on great skimmers though and perhaps this would help address the nutrient issue. Also, as corals grow and get trimmed/other new ones get added consumption rates fluctuate. You can test regularly and adjust accordingly but I have resorted to regular (~30% every few weeks) water changes to address both nutrient buildup and 'drift' in my Ca, Mg and dKh levels. My cost and labour seem to be about the same as I do fewer tests, but in my case the corals seem to be happier. Others will have different experiences to report. I would suggest Balling is fundamentally meeting the need to replace Ca, Mg, Carbonates and trace elements and so is a great starting point to find out what works best for your interests in the hobby. Lots of us have ended up back doing water changes though, and this is continuously one of the most debated topics going . If I were to speculate, I would say you will end up adapting the balling fundamentals into your own dosing regime (using various brands for supplements etc). Either way, looks like you are asking the right questions!
Dan