Good Choices for the Newbie?

I added 1 red mushroom and the button polyps and both are doing well. The mushroom has already attached itself to the tank LR and the polyps are swaying in the current. Feed them phytoplankton every other day -- is 1 tsp. too much? Found out my Ca was low, so got the Kent reef kit that includes Iodine, Strontium (sp) and Ca supplements. The LFS recommended that I apply half the recommended Iodine dosage to ensure I don't poison anyone. How long should I wait before adding something new? Am I missing anything?

 

Don't add any of those supplements if you're doing regular water changes as your salt mix contains iodine and strontium, among other things. Also, if you overdose these elements, you're bound to have problems so if you don't own iodine and strontium test kits, avoid supplementing them altogether. The only supplement that you bought that I see you ever needing to use is the calcium.

 

Reef plus by seachem is a good vitamin supplement which has low traces of iodine. I add a little bit to the tank every 2 weeks. Don't add phytoplankton too often as it can foul a tank. I only add small amounts of phytoplex and zooplex 2 times a week. The corals you have right now will be fine with the nutrients in your tank. Remember when you dose for calcium your alkalinity will drop so it's good to use a 2 part additive. One is for calcium the other is for alkalinity. Aren't bumble bee snails not reef safe?

 

I read an article by Randy-Holmes Farley in which he said that he does not recommend dosing iodine.He also states that the iodine test kits are not too accurate and he sees no benefit in dosing iodine.

 

Linda,

No need for any supplements except Ca, which you probably don't need for your softies.

Your exchange water should take care of mineral, etc needs.

Also no need for food supplements for you corals. Your reef will provide them all they need.

As nemo79 stated. they will only foul your tank.

 

My Ca levels up to about 360 -- is that good enough for the soft corals? I'm glad that supplementing is not necessary. I'm trying to keep things as simple as I possibly can.

Nemo79--I'll check about the BB snails. Thanks.

Linda

 

360 is just fine. That about what IO will give you.

 

There are certain types of gorgonian that you can keep rather easily and have long term success with. Any of the ones that are symbiotic will do fine. Stay away from ones that need to be target fed and don't require light!

 

I would want my calcium up higher than that even if I had no corals in the tank. Calcium and alkalinity determine ph so if you don't have your calcium and alkalinity at the recommended/acceptable levels, you'll never be able to keep your ph levels consistent. What are your alk and mag levels at?