How do I dose amino acids for LPS correctly?

[glb]

I recently bought some Korallin-Zucht LPS amino acid and want to make sure I use it properly. I’ve read that the recommended dose on amino acids can run high, that algae can be an issue, and that there are better times to dose than others. Also, should you turn off the skimmer after dosing? Finally, if you only have a few corals, should the dose be lower? The recommended dose for KZ is 1ml/50g. I have a 40g breeder with two acan colonies, some zoas, and some rock anemones. I also feed reef roids about once a week. Any help is greatly appreciated! I always like to to a ton of research before making any changes. Thanks!

 

[glb]

Bump. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Shirak]

Well you could always start with doing the half recommended dose for a while and see how things go?
My understanding is to stop skimming after dosing aminos. I have heard all sorts of time frames though

 

[glb]

Well you could always start with doing the half recommended dose for a while and see how things go?
My understanding is to stop skimming after dosing aminos. I have heard all sorts of time frames though

Thanks! The company says you don’t have to stop skimming but I trust R2R more! I went ahead and dosed half and I’ll keep an eye on things.

 

[muzikalmatt]

I pretty much start at a half of the recommended dose for almost any additive product. It's better to err on the side of caution than risk overdosing your tank. I typically broadcast a half-dose of Brightwell's Coral Aminos and turn the skimmer off for about an hour or two.

 

[glb]

I pretty much start at a half of the recommended dose for almost any additive product. It's better to err on the side of caution than risk overdosing your tank. I typically broadcast a half-dose of Brightwell's Coral Aminos and turn the skimmer off for about an hour or two.

Thanks! Do amino acids raise nitrates or phosphates?

 

[muzikalmatt]

Thanks! Do amino acids raise nitrates or phosphates?

I can't say that I've noticed an increase but I'm sure if you added enough they could.

 

[glb]

I can't say that I've noticed an increase but I'm sure if you added enough they could.

Thanks. LPS are my favorite corals. I want a tank full!

 

[glb]

One other question. If I only have a few corals, should I target dose them or broadcast dose? I’m currently dosing half the recommended amount.

 

[muzikalmatt]

When I'm adding fine particulates like reef roids, amino acids, phyto, etc I tend to broadcast feed and turn off the skimmer for a couple of hours. When I'm feeding larger, meatier foods like LRS Reef Frenzy or PE Mysis I will target feed while all flow is off entirely (powerheads and return pump). You can absolutely target feed aminos, reef roids, etc though. I used to do that pretty consistently but have slacked off a bit.

 

[glb]

When I'm adding fine particulates like reef roids, amino acids, phyto, etc I tend to broadcast feed and turn off the skimmer for a couple of hours. When I'm feeding larger, meatier foods like LRS Reef Frenzy or PE Mysis I will target feed while all flow is off entirely (powerheads and return pump). You can absolutely target feed aminos, reef roids, etc though. I used to do that pretty consistently but have slacked off a bit.

Thanks! Did you have any algae problems when you dosed?

 

[zapbap99]

i like to mix reefroid and red sea ab+ amino and target feed my lps LOVE IT

 

[muzikalmatt]

Thanks! Did you have any algae problems when you dosed?

I think sometimes the brown film on the glass appears more frequently when I'm consistently dosing aminos but I can't confirm that's the cause, just a guess based on anecdotal evidence.

I think the potential for excess nutrients and/or algae from dosing additives is going to vary depending on your tank's biomass. The dosing guidelines on these things are typically based on water volume, but coral biomass can vary greatly from tank to tank, even if they're the same water volume. So one tank with a larger amount of corals will uptake the additives much faster than a tank with a smaller amount of corals.

 

[zapbap99]

I think sometimes the brown film on the glass appears more frequently when I'm consistently dosing aminos but I can't confirm that's the cause, just a guess based on anecdotal evidence.

I think the potential for excess nutrients and/or algae from dosing additives is going to vary depending on your tank's biomass. The dosing guidelines on these things are typically based on water volume, but coral biomass can vary greatly from tank to tank, even if they're the same water volume. So one tank with a larger amount of corals will uptake the additives much faster than a tank with a smaller amount of corals.

oh 100% brown film comes with amino acids i cant agree with this for sure