water changes/supplements

[caferacermike]

I've been battling a small hair algae problem, trying to prevent it from spreading. In response to the algae I've stopped feeding the tank, hooked up a small UV sterilizer, hooked up a phosban reactor and have been changing the media every 4 days, added polyester filter material to my sumps filter area (previously never used any mechanical in the sump) and toss it every other day, and finally huge weekly water changes. I've been taking my 75g down to about 4" of water each week. That's about 60g weekly. I'd say it's a good 80-90% of the water volume. It has been working very well and the water is spanky clear. 80% of the algae has recessed and very little Cyano.

My question is... I really like dosing B-Ionic and last night after a water change I reached for my jugs and thought, "why add supplements after such a large water change?" Anyone have any thoughts about that? The water change should hold the tank for a week or longer right? So am I just adding extra stuff to the water when it is not needed? Should I just test my ALK and CA until they begin dropping and then add B-Ionic to catch it up or am I safer just keeping the levels high?

[Texreefer]

i am assuming you are using a good salt mix,, changing that much water you should have no need for suplements right away unless your stuff is growing rampant , then maybe a few days later

[mathias]

also when I have algae problems I always look at over feeding or my lights... when I bought some cheap ebay bulbs my tank grew algae like crazy.... also if your turn your lights off for about 3 days and then on the 4th if you have supplement lights just use those and then on day 5 begin your regular light cycle.... heard it does wonders....

[caferacermike]

also when I have algae problems I always look at over feeding or my lights... when I bought some cheap ebay bulbs my tank grew algae like crazy.... also if your turn your lights off for about 3 days and then on the 4th if you have supplement lights just use those and then on day 5 begin your regular light cycle.... heard it does wonders....

Lights are more than good. 6 month old Pheonix 14K 2x 250w.

I was reading that bit about the light cycle and thought I might start next weekend.

[caferacermike]

i am assuming you are using a good salt mix,, changing that much water you should have no need for suplements right away unless your stuff is growing rampant , then maybe a few days later

Seachem reef.

I must admit that my coral never looks better than the day after a huge water change. FYI anyone that reads this, I used to hate doing water changes because I was afraid to leave my coral out of the water for any period of time, that was my excuse for not doing them. I was told that was not a real concern and sure enough, no problems. In fact yesterday they were all out of the water for almost 20 minutes while I arranged some stuff, glued some stuff, and hand removed algae.

[tomanero]

When you say "out of the water" do you mean in a bucket, on the floor on a towel (hopefully) or just exposed in the tank?
I'd love to take apart and rearrange but was nervous I'd kill more than cure.

I'm thinking of posting a "Cheescake for Frags trade"
What'a'ya think? lol

[alton]

Except for buffer sometimes, all I do is water changes with the new Red Sea Coral Pro Salt. I had switched from Kent a few months ago. If I had a full blown SPS tank I know I would have to dose, but with a mixture of Xenia, Frogspawn, Candy Cane, Wesophyia, Mushrooms, GSP's, Slimmer, Montipora I haven't found the need to dose anything. If growth slows down a little I just do a larger than normal water change. Sometimes I believe simpler is better.

[Bill S]

To me, water changes are cheap insurance. Even on my 215, I do about 35 gallons once a week. I go thru a bucket of salt about every 3-4 weeks (Reef Crystals, formerly Kent). I DO have a Ca reactor, but it is on a low flow (it hovers around 500ppm). I dose Iodine, Strontium and Coral Stimulator after the water change. I do keep an eye on my Mg, but haven't had a problem with it - probably due to my water changes. My SPS growth has been outstanding. No, I don't worry about the corals being out for a bit - but then it takes only 10 minutes for my water change cycle.