Dosing calc , mag ,alk

Is dosing Trace elements necessary , if i have 36 gallon +sump approx 51 gallons and do a 5 gal water change a week will i have to dose trace elements ? I don't plan on over stocking tank either , but would like to have a clam and a few sps and lps. I also have an aragonite reactor as the last stage on my rodi.

 

Dosing imop really depends on what you end up having in the tank. Clams tend to use a lot of calcium though.

 

Agree with Mobalized.

Basically you are going to have to test and see where you levels fall.

If you do not have a lot of coralline algae and stony corals you should be fine with water changes, but clams do suck up the Ca, so get a base line level and go from there. Use a quality salt mix as well.

 

cool ty forgive me for being a noob but what does imop stand for? also what are the correct levels of mag, calc and alk?

 

In my opinion, I think the extra p was an accident.

Get a good test kit and test for the big 3 Ca/Alk/Mag. You will get some idea of your utilization.

I think too many jump to dosing when they really do not have to.

 

Your title liste major elements, calc, alk and mag. All easily tested for and should be kept in line through dosing/testing. Your intake will determine whether it's necessary. (great advice is given on this already)

Trace elements on the other hand can't be tested for and in my opinion you shouldn't even think about dosing those. Regular partial water changes will keep up trace elements on all but the largest fully stocked tanks.