Are any special additives required?

The primary additives that I use are:

• Calcium hydroxide (Kalkwasser), for water make-up;
• Iodine: 2 tablespoons every two weeks, between water changes (for a 200-gallon tank);
• Strontium: same dosage as above (for a 200-gallon tank).

These are the only additives and amounts I use regularly, and the ones I have found to provide an additional benefit to the livestock. The iodine and strontium are quickly used up, and are also removed by protein skimming. I add them the week in between water changes, again to distribute the benefits on an alternating basis: water change one week, trace elements the next.

Of course I do not speak for all reef keepers. I can only describe what I have found to be necessary and beneficial for my own reef. My corals grow, all kinds of life forms are thriving on the live rock, and the tanks look fantastic; so why would I consider adding products of uncertain composition?

I have become very suspicious of introducing any new, unproven product into my reef tanks. Once it’s in, it’s in. It may be harmless, or it may not. I just don’t like to experiment. Up until now, my reef has proven to me that all it needs to thrive and grow is:

• Regular water changes with purified tap water and a high-grade salt mix;
• Adding Kalkwasser on a regular basis to compensate for evaporation while maintaining calcium levels;
• Biweekly additions of iodine and strontium; and
• Proper lighting.

Products that will encourage micro-algae:

• Phosphate
• Iron
• Silicate
• Molybdenum
• Liquid nutrient food source for filter feeders (must be refrigerated after opening)

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