Strontium

[SLAYCHILD]

Is Strontium important to add and test for in a reef tank?

[Richard]

Not in my opinion. Here's an article...

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2003/chem.htm

[GaryP]

A lot of the trace metals are replenished by doing good water changes with salts that have the appropriate amounts in them. This applies to other metals that have, at various times been claimed to be "essential elements" such as molybdenum and manganese.

A lot of the folks claiming this are basing it on the fact that metal analyses of coral skeletons show significant amounts of these metals. I think there are a lot of "experts" that are now thinking that these metals basically hitch hike along with the carbonate and get trapped in the skeleton. They may not be "essential" at all.

I bet you can get into a really good argument about this on RC. :)

[JimD]

Most people in the reef communities dont add much other than Calcium and alkalinity suppliments. Like Gary mentioned, most of the other "essentials" are maintained through regular, routine water changes. Stronium is important in balanced proportion yes, but not necessarily something you need to dose. At least not yet, who knows what the next "big thing" will be! lol

[GaryP]

I would be willing to bet that the majority of people that dose strontium with something like Kent Essential Elements don't test for it. Even "Essential" metals can be toxic at high levels. Just for the record, Salifert does make a test kit for it.

[OldSalty]

Boy Gary, isnt that the truth, I call it the DUMP & PRAY method! LOL

[GaryP]

Is that anything like "spray & pray?" I think the two are similar. One involves lead, the other chemicals.

BTW, its good to see you posting again.

[Thunderkat]

I quit dosing anything in my tank and just do weekly water changes. I don't have any sps though but if I did I think I would add calcium but only if it gets depleted.

[OldSalty]

Nah, dont even dose calcium anymore cuz i got ca reactor as well as a kalk reactor, come to think about it dont even add water either thanks to the DIY auto water top-off. tank is in total autopilot.