Basic minerals to add to a reef tank

[LuRving]

hi, i would like to ask whats the basic stuffs to add to the water of a reef tank?

[LaW]

Ca2+

Mg2+

Carbonate(KH)

Iodine

and bacteria.

[tanit]

I would suggest before you add anything better to test before added. As difference tank and type of coral will utilize diff element.

[LuRving]

as in basics? like soft n lps?

[LaW]

as above.

[wilsontantw]

Basic will be Marine salt? Actually Law, is right. Ca, Mg and Kh. Iodine is optional though.

Regular water change should ensure the above are in good order. Use good reef salt + di water.

Caution: it is said, better not dose anything that you don't measure.

[LuRving]

any recommended brands to buy? .. currently using Seachem

[tanit]

If you know what you want to add (ca,mg or kh) you can use powder and mix with ro/di water. ( This will much cheaper than by ready product) If dosing amount is not a lot the other of mineral like iodine can be replace by water change.

[vidextreme]

If you are using frequent water changes (as in 10-20% tank water 1-2x a week) then you don't need to add buffs(Calcium, Alkalinity(KH), etc) as this would most likely waste money. Most of the commercial sea salt mixes are designed to be balance in ionic substance and trace minerals. This is ofcourse depending on your tank residents if they consume much minerals in the water. But I agree with new_new, it's better to test your tank first before you put anything into it.

I am on the other hand is still conducting my 'experiment' which is a "no water changes" so its critical for me to dose calcium and carbonate and some other stuff. So far my tank is running close to 2 months now with this 'experiment'...corals seems to be still happy.

[LuRving]

If you are using frequent water changes (as in 10-20% tank water 1-2x a week) then you don't need to add buffs(Calcium, Alkalinity(KH), etc) as this would most likely waste money. Most of the commercial sea salt mixes are designed to be balance in ionic substance and trace minerals. This is ofcourse depending on your tank residents if they consume much minerals in the water. But I agree with new_new, it's better to test your tank first before you put anything into it.

I am on the other hand is still conducting my 'experiment' which is a "no water changes" so its critical for me to dose calcium and carbonate and some other stuff. So far my tank is running close to 2 months now with this 'experiment'...corals seems to be still happy.

that would be a good experiment. what temp do u set ur chiller to?