This Chemistry Thing

[burgerchow]

Originally Posted by Enigma

It is very important to me that I figure out how this chemistry thing works: whether dosing is required or not.

On one hand, I've got people telling me that I don't need to dose anything and that water changes are sufficient. On the other hand, I've got people predicting an apocalypse in my tank if I don't.

As I don't even have a cursory understanding of the subject matter it is very difficult for me to sift through what I'm being advised.

What is most noteworthy for me is that they guy I'd be buying the dosing system from is advising me not to. But, with the apocalyptic predictions that have been implanted in my head running around in there . . . well . . . I just really need to get a grip on the chemistry to be able to decide for myself what approach I need to take.

ok, there's basically cheap salt like instant ocean $ 30-$40 for 160 gal pail, that has the bare minimum of trace elements and calc and mag, so you will have to add more via dosing

The better salt like DD H20 or Zeovit Reefer's Best at double the price that contain all the necessary trace elements and additives. Your choice.

I personally use DD H20 and don't really dose anymore. Just a little A/B mix by 2 Little Fishies when I remember to do it. But you've got to do the water changes regimentally if you don't dose.

[Enigma]

I use the Instant Ocean Reef Crystals.

According to this (http://www.rudyv.be/Aquarium/sels.pdf) it looks okay. Not the best, but not the worst, either. That document could be quite old, so it is possible that values have changed since it was published.

But of course, not being totally sure of what affects what, the document isn't a huge amount of use to me.

[beefORchicken]

water changes should be plenty for soft/LPS, sps would require daily dosing (my tank would deplete to half its alk each day if i didn't have a 2 part doser setup)

[whatcaneyedo]

That article and many others like it will give you an exceptional understanding of reef aquarium chemistry. Like you, I'm not a big fan of the subject either, but after reading a lot of Randy's work on ReefKeeping.com I feel pretty confident these days. Search the archives on that site and on advancedaquarist.com for more from him.

[rayjay]

Randy's articles are best and links can be found in the archives at:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=102605
From there, you can click on links like:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php
and many more links covering the big three of water conditions.