Acropora/ SPS growth with No Dosing

[IntrinsicReef]

Yeah, I think it depends on the size of the tank, amount and type of coral, and factors like ph and alk, that can dictate the need for trace element dosing. Maybe I am lucky, but I have never tested for trace elements, or intentionally dosed them to get a specific result. I have to dose 2 part (Seachem Reef Fusion) because of the alk draw of my sps tanks. I do 40% monthly water changes to help keep nitrate in range, not to replenish trace elements. But my main tank is only 75 gallons also. If the others are right, and my coral are suffering, I’d love to see them flourish.

To clarify, I am not advocating for people to rely solely on water changes. I just wanted to record that it is possible in some scenarios. There are many ways to successfully manage a reef tank. Too often I hear people disparage other methods than their own, without real reason or evidence.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Can I bother you for a quick layman's explanation of why this would be important for a reef aquarium?

Sure. The accumulation of sodium (from sodium bicarbonate/carbonate/hydroxide) and chloride (from calcium chloride) raises salinity. When you force maintain salinity, things like potassium and sulfate and everything else gets pushed down.

ESV and C-balance add these to one of the two parts to prevent that effect. Tropic Marin puts it in Balling Part C. Aquaforest has it in their mineral salt.

I discuss these issues in much more detail here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/how-a...-calcium-system-works-and-why-it-matters.958/

 

[IntrinsicReef]

Here is an update on this no-dosing mixed reef. All of the fish and most shrimp made an appearance as well.

 

[IntrinsicReef]

Here's a current topdown. I just snapped a photo before I started maintenance, so not the best quality. Adult Skunk cleaner shrimp for scale