How often do frags of [hard corals] need nutrients added?

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

I have a new bare bottom holding tank with rwo pieces of live rock. I have added some frags [hard corals] to the tank? I have two questions. :unsure:

1. How often should I add bottled nutrient supplemental food to a brand new 20 gallon tank with new frags?

2. When should I add a couple of naur. (spelling?) snails to the tank?

 

[mph84]

nassarius snails need sand to burrow in so I wouldn't add any unless you have a suitable sandbed. as far as nutrients go calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity will be what you should keep an eye on. Just get some test kits and keep those levels in check.

 

[frantz]

For you want to start by going off the recommended doses on the package along with weekly water test and then adjust accordingly. As you're coral grows you'll need to increase based on their use. Keep records and look for the trends in your tanks intake and use of different stuff. Keep in mind, water changes also remove some good stuff from the water that will need replaced, so include those in your records!

 

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

Frantz;777356 wrote: For you want to start by going off the recommended doses on the package along with weekly water test and then adjust accordingly. As you're coral grows you'll need to increase based on their use. Keep records and look for the trends in your tanks intake and use of different stuff. Keep in mind, water changes also remove some good stuff from the water that will need replaced, so include those in your records!

Frantz:

Your bring up a very valid point with water changes. Some good stuff is lost with water changes. I've always considered the water being changed as always being entirely bad and dirty.

I will keep yhat in mind as I'm doing my water changes. Thanks Frantz for your assistance as I pursue my new love of hard corals. WOW! Now to buy me a records book. Man; this hobby is addicting and adding up. Another member has a picture of money falling out of someone's pocket. I believe that is a picture of me and my wallet. :roll: :lol2:

 

[grouper therapy]

Frantz;777356 wrote: For you want to start by going off the recommended doses on the package along with weekly water test and then adjust accordingly. As you're coral grows you'll need to increase based on their use. Keep records and look for the trends in your tanks intake and use of different stuff. Keep in mind, water changes also remove some good stuff from the water that will need replaced, so include those in your records!

What does it remove that is not replaced with the new water?

 

[frantz]

Well it depends on how you do your water changes. I add buffer to my water before adding it, but if you don't then you'll be changing pH. And my RODI does not add cal, which is the major additive I add to my tank. Buffer and Calcium don't mix so well. Other trace elements that aren't replaced just with whats in your salt would also be depleted.

I used to keep hard copies of my water test but I joined the big brother system from thrive aquatics, mostly because I always got my pen wet and it wouldn't write. But, they store all your water test so you can see trends. I like it and don't consider my water quality to be private information that infringes on my liberty when a company knows it ;-)

 

[ralph atl]

Frantz;777356 wrote: For you want to start by going off the recommended doses on the package along with weekly water test and then adjust accordingly. As you're coral grows you'll need to increase based on their use. Keep records and look for the trends in your tanks intake and use of different stuff. Keep in mind, water changes also remove some good stuff from the water that will need replaced, so include those in your records!

grouper therapy;777391 wrote: What does it remove that is not replaced with the new water?

ummm, yeah? of course it will remove some Calcium, etc....but maybe at lower than optimal levels....however, your new water is adding all this at "perfect levels"....(hopefully.....)

 

[dme330i]

mph84;777345 wrote: nassarius snails need sand to burrow in

Don't think it is a need. I'm sure they prefer it. However, if your BB keeps all detritus suspended then they probably won't find enough food to scavenge on.

I keep about 30 in my 330G BB as there are 2 small areas where detritus settles. The nassarius, along with the mini-ceriths are typically in these settling areas.

 

[ralph atl]

dme330i;777411 wrote: Don't think it is a need. I'm sure they prefer it. However, if your BB keeps all detritus suspended then they probably won't find enough food to scavenge on.

I keep about 30 in my 330G BB as there are 2 small areas where detritus settles. The nassarius, along with the mini-ceriths are typically in these settling areas.

they live IN SAND......they might survive without it, but they do need it.....

 

[grouper therapy]

Frantz;777405 wrote: Well it depends on how you do your water changes. I add buffer to my water before adding it, but if you don't then you'll be changing pH. And my RODI does not add cal, which is the major additive I add to my tank. Buffer and Calcium don't mix so well. Other trace elements that aren't replaced just with whats in your salt would also be depleted.

I used to keep hard copies of my water test but I joined the big brother system from thrive aquatics, mostly because I always got my pen wet and it wouldn't write. But, they store all your water test so you can see trends. I like it and don't consider my water quality to be private information that infringes on my liberty when a company knows it ;-)

What salt are you using that doesn't contain these?