What additives should I add to my reef tank and how much?

[andresont]

Originally Posted by Mykiss

Question #1
what additives should I be adding into the tank and at what readings should they be? e.g. calcium, magnesium, iodine, Strontium & Molybdenum

Question #2
what is the ideal water temperature for happy corals and what salinity?

Thanks

I hope this thread will help many beginners like me.

below is JMO based on personal experience so read more set up your tank and be patient.
To # 2 Stable is more important then anything stay close to temp 24 C and sal 1.024 - 1.026, if you can.
With MH lights your tank can heat up to 30C, but it is OK providing you ORP is above 300 at least need to be 450 not more. The point is higher temp is ok if you can provide oxygen to your water.

to # 1 Stay away from aditives Unless you can check And monitor what is input and output. This is hard work and a lot of testing monitoring. The easy way is 5% water change per week. If you arenew go with bare Bottom and lots of flow, stay away from fish for at least 3 month (corals ok) and you will do just fine.
Do chemical filtration, phosfates for sure get rid of po4 and you will have clean tank

[marie]

Originally Posted by andresont

below is JMO based on personal experience so read more set up your tank and be patient.
To # 2 Stable is more important then anything stay close to temp 24 C and sal 1.024 - 1.026, if you can.
With MH lights your tank can heat up to 30C, but it is OK providing you ORP is above 300 at least need to be 450 not more. The point is higher temp is ok if you can provide oxygen to your water.

to # 1 Stay away from aditives Unless you can check And monitor what is input and output. This is hard work and a lot of testing monitoring. The easy way is 5% water change per week. If you arenew go with bare Bottom and lots of flow, stay away from fish for at least 3 month (corals ok) and you will do just fine.
Do chemical filtration, phosfates for sure get rid of po4 and you will have clean tank

I had to go and look up what 24c was in farenheit lol. 24c (75F) is a little to low for a reef tank IMO. While a reef may drop down to 75 I think it would be an absolute low. A temp of 26-27c would be a better temp to shoot for.


And for all you Newbies out there, don't let the whole orp thing scare you. It is entirely possible to have a successful reef tank without ever knowing what your orp is