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What bacteria do you use for dosing?I believe bacteria and phyto are two foundation and fundamental parts or the reef that tend to be overlooked and are actually what differentiates a new system from a mature aquarium. In aquaria, diversity is limited by its closed loop design and bacterial populations that are either maintained or devastated by hobbyist practices. Signs of bacterial imbalances are red slime and dyno outbreaks usually caused extremely low to non existent nutrients that cause "good bacteria" populations to diminish and bad bacteria that feed on other elements than nitrogen to thrive.
These are the reasons why on my reefing philosophy/method I use bacterial and phyto dosing the same way I use major and minor element dosing. As a method to maintain stability.
On my 15 months old system running a no water changes method (not Triton or calcium reactor) and without a fuge or algea reactor, I have been able to test this out and noticeably maintain a very stable nitrate level without any "bad bacteria" outbreaks to this date and no coral mortality due to bacterial infections.
I dose Smartstart saltwater for routine maintenance. It keeps the cyno away. I use a level one UV sterilizer and protein skimmer and this removes some of the beneficial bacteria needed to foght off cyno outbreaks.1. Do you add any type of bacteria to your reef tank and if so what and why? Yes - MicroBacter 7. I do this with water changes and whenever I add more than 1-2 fish to the mix. It does no harm, and is a prophylactic regimen (not unlike those who treat quarantined fish with copper/prazi when no disease is present - juts in case).
2. What changes have you noticed in your reef tank from these additions? None but healthy livestock and peace of mind.
Not to speak for Brandon - I think he means its a waste of money...? Except for starting a tank
Me tooAdd Seachem "Stability" when I do water changes and or add new live stock.
I add vibrant every water change. I have found this reduces the algae in the tank and keep the glass looking clean.
I know it not the water changes because I was not adding vibrant for about a year and was having to clean the glass more than I would have liked. Someone recommended using vibrant when I do my water changes and I have found that it greatly reduces the amount of algae that builds up on my glass. I was skeptical of it at first but I have found that it definitely helps.Hummm...
How do you know it's not the water changes that's keeping your glass clean.
1. Currently yes, I dose Vibrant once a week to combat hair algae and Valonia.
I also add Microbacter7 in the hopes of mitigating the Cyano issues that some seem to get from using Vibrant.
2. It is too early to see any changes yet, but the evidence is overwelming so I count on seeing improvements in the coming weeks!
Get a few large Mexican turbo snails they will completely clean your tank