Strontium.. do test for it or not

Do you test for Strontium and if yes what test kit do you use?

 

I never have and I really don't know of anyone who does.

 

Thanks Renee. Just trying to get some expert opinions and since you fall into that group I really appreciate it. I have never tested for it myself but wife is asking so want to be able to show her what others do.

 

I'll be honest, I'm just getting back into corals after being out for about 5 years. Weigh other's experiences heavier than my own.

 

I have had tanks since at least 97 and have never tested for strontium. Not sure why so many look at thread and do not just hit the yes or no on the poll so assume they are all no and no one doses strontium..(but hate to assume so wish others would just give their input).

 

+1

Cal, Mag, and Alk are the only three elements utilized to the point that requires testing and supplementing. Routine WCs keep everything else in check.

What disturbs me is the common advice from the LFS: "If you think it's being used, then dose it". Many will gladly tell you this about most anything, whether or not they even carry test kits for it. This is very dangerous, as some compounds are easily overdosed, and that can be lethal to the entire tank.

 

I never test for it and I never dose it individually. So without knowing the value I can not honestly say the levels or low or high.

If you use a decent salt mix, do routine or at least minimal water changes that would seem sufficient.

Some 2 part solutions like ESV or Two Little Fishies combine Strontium and Magnesium. I feel confident that this adds enough Strontium.

You want someones opinion that has a heavily stocked sps/stony tank like gcarrol (Greg). A tank were utilization of Strontium is probably significant.

 

I missed the poll the first time in.

 

Ditto! I went back and voted no though.

 

I do not. Most if not all mixes have sufficient quantities so dosing is not needed unless your tank is stuffed full of hard corals.