Is there a trace element “multivitamin” worth dosing?

[Reefer Dan]

Background:
I’ve been overwhelmed reading about trace elements and different methods. I’ve read a lot of the articles @Randy Holmes-Farley has on the sticky. I’ve also tons of different methods/theories such as reef moonshiners, triton, balling (aquaforest, tropic Marin, etc). Water changes seem fairly ineffective at replacing trace elements as they aren’t frequent enough.

There is a lot of conflicting information.

I’m inclined to fall back on my schooling/training in which there is no additional benefit/advantage to having elevated vitamins/minerals, etc.

My goal: growth, color, and wellness of the tank.

Questions:
-Is there a way to dose something like a “daily multivitamin” for the tank to ensure there is enough of everything but high confidence that there is not over accumulation? If so, which one?
-what trace elements would be helpful in general to dose?
-without any real time testing, you are essentially monitoring 2 weeks ago with an icp analysis…. That doesn’t really help in retrospect other than to tell you to stop dosing?
-while I know trace elements have biological activity, is this something worth worrying about when in theory some should be entering the tank via food?

Any additional insights would be helpful.

 

[design.maddie]

All-for-Reef, I think that is all.

 

[blaxsun]

I use Red Sea ReefEnergy AB+ daily. I add a mix of supplements twice a week (Nyos Coral Nectar, Absolute Aminos, Instant Plankton, LPS Power and Reef Roids). Nyos Strontium, Iodine and Active Elements get added approximately every 2 weeks. I do test the trace elements manually about once a month, but since the doses are really low the levels are usually very close to normal parameters.

 

[Reefer Dan]

I use Red Sea ReefEnergy AB+ daily. I add a mix of supplements twice a week (Nyos Coral Nectar, Absolute Aminos, Instant Plankton, LPS Power and Reef Roids). Nyos Strontium, Iodine and Active Elements get added approximately every 2 weeks. I do test the trace elements manually about once a month, but since the doses are really low the levels are usually very close to normal parameters.

Interesting! — how are you manually testing trace elements??

 

[blaxsun]

Interesting! — how are you manually testing trace elements??

I've got a Red Sea Trace Elements test kit, so this gives me my iodine, iron and potassium. I realize this isn't everything, but it covers the main ones.

 

[Reefer Dan]

All-for-Reef, I think that is all.

This is what I have been leaning towards trying; however, I haven’t had a ton of calcium/alk uptake (tank not fully stocked and still only 5 months old)— because of this I have ruled it out, but I suppose I could look into their A and K supplements?

 

[dvgyfresh]

RedSea AB+ and I add selcon to every feeding.
On top of this I add a capful of Kent marine essential elements weekly per the instructions

 

[freezie]

I've got a Red Sea Trace Elements test kit, so this gives me my iodine, iron and potassium. I realize this isn't everything, but it covers the main ones.

How do you like the test kit? I hear 2/3 are great but one of them is a pain. Can’t remember which..

 

[blaxsun]

How do you like the test kit? I hear 2/3 are great but one of them is a pain. Can’t remember which..

One is really easy to use (iodine), one is about average and one is a pain.