strontium and molybdenum

[The WuSue]

Has anyone every used these supplements before(premixed together by Kent marine)? I've always been of the opinion that if you can't test for it, don't dose it....  however the tank that had been dosing it was doing incredibly well before.  Since we didn't use it, the tank has lost a little of it's splendor....

[Reefpete]

Since we didn't use it, the tank has lost a little of it's splendor....

Have you isolated the splendor loss to the absence of these supplements?

I've always been of the opinion that if you can't test for it, don't dose it.... 

+1

[REDPYRO]

I used to use the Kent stuff.  I thought it helped.

[The WuSue]

Honestly I can't guarantee that loss of splendor (I'm really looking for a better word, but that one seems to fit for now) was an isolated incident.  The tank I'm referring to is my Dad's. He took the smarter method and bought a tank that was already immaculately set up.  Dad's water parameters were all in decent shape except Alk and Calc which were high and low respectively. I've been dosing extra calc for the last 3 days and things are starting to look better in the tank and levels are coming back to perfect. (I expect it to be back to the gold standard by Monday.)

Anyhow, I guess I was hoping for someone to say they thought that their tank absolutely required the stuff.... But even a nod to or two in the direction of "I think it helps, but it definitely doesn't hurt"  would be welcome.  I'm just not sure about the stuff, so I thought it would be best to ask the experts.

[Boonjob]

I have to agree with the golden rule to NEVER add anything to the tank that you can't test for... I have heard from several sources that strontium if overdosed can do some very heavy damage to the tank... notiably the coraline; it's the first to suffer with the most damage as well. But other than that, both of these elements as very helpful to a reef system... I am not sure that there would be a lack of either elements though with regular water changes?

[Todd W.]

I agree on the don't add if you don't test...

[The WuSue]

Good to know.  He's a fanatic about water changes,does one every 2 weeks (its all pumps and switches for him anywho). I was wondering what thoughts would be on using about half the recommended dose and frequency?

[Boonjob]

Good to know.  He's a fanatic about water changes,does one every 2 weeks (its all pumps and switches for him anywho). I was wondering what thoughts would be on using about half the recommended dose and frequency?

As stated, I personally don't think dosing any elements are needed if you are doing regular waterchanges with the right salt mix.

[Kenn]

I've always been of the opinion that if you can't test for it, don't dose it

That should be written in stone somewhere ...

Also what salt is he using ... did he change brands from the previous owner ?

[Steve]

I always used reef advantage calcium from Seachem, which contained strontium and magnesium and never tested with no adverse effects. Also since I stopped using Seachem Products for cheaper bulk products my sps corals have not looked the same, though there have been many other variables. I also never understood only using water changes to supplement trace elements. I have a 90 gal tank and if I do a 30 gal water change, what about the trace elements in the other 60 gals? The only way this makes since to me is if you do 100% water change and I don't know many who do that. Just my thoughts.

[Kenn]

I have a 90 gal tank and if I do a 30 gal water change, what about the trace elements in the other 60 gals?

My thinking on it is that you never completely deplete the trace elements, just lower the levels in the system as they are being used \ lost. I do a 10% water change once a week or so. That way I am "topping off" the trace element supply. It works for me and my tests are all consistant over time. I must admit I am thinking of dosing Ca and Mg. Kinda like adding Miracle Grow to your garden (for lack of a better way to put it).

[larrynews]

i use the kent stuff, always have not sure if it makes a difference, but i'm not going to stop to find out...i put like 2 table spoons in once a week

[Kenn]

I use kent part a and b at the present time

[The WuSue]

Found the reason why the guy that owned the tank beforehand was using the stron and moly. He used bulk reef supply to get his alk and calc which uses pure elements and doesn't have the trace amounts found in B-ionic, kent, two fishes etc. 

Just thought someone might want to know....