Another Newbie Question

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by nanomano

Ken you mentioned dosing aragamilk, I was steered away from that earlier last month (sorry not trying to steal the thread) is it something I should use from time to time? the only thing thats ever off in my tank now that I'm working the bugs out, is my calcium which is low usually around 320-340 and my alk is usually around 12-13dkh on the high side.. maybe you could (or someone else who is smart) PM me whats best in my case so as not to steal the thread from our new guy here?

Steer away. Learning is learning and I'm trying to get a grasp on everything so every tip helps.

But answer another one of my questions too please (everyone). I'm getting a 180 gal with 30 gal sump (courtesy hawkaholic) this weekend and already ordered an apex controller for it. Hawk had a beautiful set-up with corals and the like and I believe his lights, the ones coming with the set-up, to be appropriate for coral growth. I'd like to someday upgrade the sump to accomodate a refugium but financially this will have to wait. Do you think with consistant water changes and proper maintenance that I should have the need to invest in a calcium reactor? Do you think I'll need to be dosing often? We would like to aim this tank towards a SPS/LPS reef with perhaps some soft corals long term. If so, given the fact that this system will be automated with the Neptune Systems controller, can I perhaps get a cheap automatic doser for this unit?

I know this question is loaded and depends on many factors but I just need to know that it's not too difficult to grow these beautiful corals. We have installed an RO unit and will be using good quality water. Also, I am extremely anal when it comes to my 'pets' husbandry and won't buy a thing unless I have done enough research to know that I won't kill it.

So yeah folks! Educate me!