liverock

Question
Hi Jennifer. I purchased a saltwater tank kit, 29 gallons. Its been running for 2 weeks. I also picked up a protein skimmer and a powerhead. I bought so far 10 pounds of cured liverock. I plan on getting another 10 pounds. My tank water is crystal clear, levels and temp are perfect. The petstore manager, where i bought the liverock  said i should add Tropic Marin Bio Calcium,so i picked up an 18oz container of it. He said add it to the tank weekly to help the coralline algae grow. so i put 5 scoops in.  the rock has gone from white, to now turning somewhat brown, it appears ok to me. IS the petstore manager correct, or just trying to sell me a product i don't need? Thanks Chris!

Answer
Hello Chris,

(Jennifer isn't here right now)

To answer your question, YES the local fish store manager is trying to sell you stuff.  (Ask him how old his reef tank is?)

The first and most important thing to learn is, DON'T ADD ANYTHING if YOU DON'T KNOW IF THE TANK NEEDS.  (sorry for the caps, but it is very important)

You don't NEED coraline.  You may want it, but, like everything in this hobby, you cant and shouldn't rush it.

I would not worry about additives or supplements until you are close to placing corals into your tank.

During this time, your tank will mature and stabilize.  Having perfect water parameters is great, but is not as important as having average parameters week after week, month after month.

The corals will adapt and do well under the stability, vs, any 'swings' that may occur.

If you want to check to see if your tank NEEDS the calcium supplement, perform some calcium tests, BUT, if you don't have corals or things that need, or take the calcium out of the water, then i seriously doubt you need to add.

For an example, i have a large tank, with about 2 dozen different types of corals, sps, and lps, but since i do frequent water changes, my calcium never drops below 400.

(I do have a calcium reactor, as i like my calcium higher, along with the ALK and pH control that the reactor gives)  And since i am the proponent for stability, i choose to keep the reactor, vs, supplements, and 'two part' solutions.)

I urge you to read up on 'RANDY's TWO PART Solution'   and you can find it on www.bulkreefsupply.com



This is not a recommendation for you to start dosing TWO PART or supplements, at this time, but rather to start you thinking about it when you get closer to adding corals.


Good luck, and keep us posted.


Thanks,


Mr. Bill