Water Changes Vs Additives

Hey dc11648, Im not an expert, but from what I'm understanding its either you do water changes or you start buying alot of equipment so you dont have too. I for one, dont have the funds to buy all the equipment so I do water changes and add the additives that get depleded between water changes and that get consumed by the corals. If your refug is doing its job, and you have enough L/R and L/S, I dont think you need the sump. I REALLY recommend the skimmer, an important piece of equipment. Everyone has thier own opinon/exp. as to what works, but it all boils down to trail and error. Alot of the ppl on this forum have big set-ups with expensive equipment( cal/phos/kalk reactors, nitrate coil, ozonizers and many more) and their words of wisdom are good and true, but unless you have the same set-up as they do, chances are what works for them might not work for you. No matter what you decide to do, always test your water and take it slow. Luna

 

I agree every system is different....I personally go by feel most of the time.

 

I personally, do not have the most expensive equipment! And I really don't feel that it is neccessary!!!! I have halide lights and a moderate priced skimmer(AquaC EV180 for my 125) and the rest is my Biological filtration...I use a fan for my water cooling($15.00) and I do water changes once a week!!!!
In my opinion, if you have an efficient and effective skimmer, do weekly water changes and have level (ideal)water parameters and a sense of the whole picture regarding the marine environment, them you are well on your way to grasping and becomming successful in the hobby, without spending an arm and a leg!!!!!!

 

That is exactly how I feel.

 

I have to dose calcium. Water changes do not help my Ca at all. If anything it decreases some with a water change.

Ahhhhh...I need a CA reactor. Here we go again $$$:-[

 

every tank in this hobby is unigue and although you can get a good rule of thumb on what to do,every tank owner must learn what is best for their specific tank through trial and error and experience.i change 10 gallons every month or so,depending on when i start to smell fishy water and have never had to add any additives accept once i added ph up because i put a large amount of uncured reef bones in that lowered the ph.

 

If you smell fish thats just their slim that gives that order use more carbon if you don't use it already then add that see what a difference it makes ..