Reef Zelements Z Complete System

[CheshireReef]

The general consensus online is that the Zelement Z Complete 2-part dosing system is affordable and delivers great results.

Given these positive reviews, I’ve been considering this system instead of the Red Sea 4-part, when the time comes to dose. As someone new to reefing, I’ve been looking for a simple, cost-effective solution that works well.

However, after researching the Z Complete system, it seems more complex than a straightforward 2-part system. The instructions mention a 4 to 6 week ICP regimen with the addition of up to 12 individual marco and micro elements. These elements can then be mixed to create another 2-part dose, ultimately turning this into a 4-part dosing system that's more customised to the individual tank.

So, my question to the community is: are the rave reviews based on the full 4-part system, or can this be sucsessfully used as a 2-part setup only?

https://www.theaquariumsolution.com/quick-user-guide-reef-zlements-hybrid-2-part-dosing-system

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’ve not seen all that many reviews to begin with, so i couldn’t say what they are basing it on.

 

[Pod_01]

The general consensus online is that the Zelement Z Complete 2-part dosing system is affordable and delivers great results.

Given these positive reviews, I’ve been considering this system instead of the Red Sea 4-part, when the time comes to dose. As someone new to reefing, I’ve been looking for a simple, cost-effective solution that works well.

However, after researching the Z Complete system, it seems more complex than a straightforward 2-part system. The instructions mention a 4 to 6 week ICP regimen with the addition of up to 12 individual marco and micro elements. These elements can then be mixed to create another 2-part dose, ultimately turning this into a 4-part dosing system that's more customised to the individual tank.

So, my question to the community is: are the rave reviews based on the full 4-part system, or can this be sucsessfully used as a 2-part setup only?

https://www.theaquariumsolution.com/quick-user-guide-reef-zlements-hybrid-2-part-dosing-system

My suggestion would be to read Randy’s article on 2/3 part systems:

Thread 'How a Two Part Alkalinity and Calcium System Works, and Why it Matters'
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/h...cium-system-works-and-why-it-matters.1044570/

It is well worth the read.

Just my opinion but if you are looking for a simple system to dose maybe consider TM AFR… one solution that covers Alk, Calcium, Mg and trace elements.

Good luck,

 

[CheshireReef]

My suggestion would be to read Randy’s article on 2/3 part systems:

Thread 'How a Two Part Alkalinity and Calcium System Works, and Why it Matters'
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/h...cium-system-works-and-why-it-matters.1044570/

It is well worth the read.

Just my opinion but if you are looking for a simple system to dose maybe consider TM AFR… one solution that covers Alk, Calcium, Mg and trace elements.

Good luck,

Great resource. Ill have a review. Thanks

 

[Felix_Brown]

The general consensus online is that the Zelement Z Complete 2-part dosing system is affordable and delivers great results.

Given these positive reviews, I’ve been considering this system instead of the Red Sea 4-part, when the time comes to dose. As someone new to reefing, I’ve been looking for a simple, cost-effective solution that works well.

However, after researching the Z Complete system, it seems more complex than a straightforward 2-part system. The instructions mention a 4 to 6 week ICP regimen with the addition of up to 12 individual marco and micro elements. These elements can then be mixed to create another 2-part dose, ultimately turning this into a 4-part dosing system that's more customised to the individual tank.

So, my question to the community is: are the rave reviews based on the full 4-part system, or can this be sucsessfully used as a 2-part setup only?

https://www.theaquariumsolution.com/quick-user-guide-reef-zlements-hybrid-2-part-dosing-system

As a disclaimer I will say, up front that I am a RZ fan boy and I've been using Reef Zlements products for a few years now. Initially, I started with their 2-part system, and over the past 10 months, after speaking with them, I added the two additional trace mixes, dosing hourly to improve trace element availability. Both approaches have worked well for me, and I’ve been happy with the results.

Since they launched the H2P method, I began using it and I’m already noticing a higher and more stable pH with much less swing, which I hope will lead to faster coral growth!

If you go to their website they have a comprehensive manual which explains the method in detail but, it is my experience that you don't need to implement it fully to get good results.

https://www.zlements.com/rz-dosing-system

I’ve not seen all that many reviews to begin with, so i couldn’t say what they are basing it on.

I suspect the reason @Randy Holmes-Farley doesn’t see many reviews for Reef Zlements on R2R is that their products aren’t available in the U.S. Since R2R users are primarily U.S.-based, that could explain it. From what I see and hear in the UK, including feedback from a couple of LFS I use, Reef Zlements is one of the main brands in use over here.

 

[Clownfishy]

What are they using to get the pH increase?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

doesn’t see many reviews for Reef Zlements on R2R is that their products aren’t available in the U.S. Since R2R users are primarily U.S.-based, that could explain it. From what I see and hear in the UK, including feedback from a couple of LFS I use, Reef Zlements is one of the main brands in use over here.

That would certainly make sense.

 

[CheshireReef]

@felixare you using the D-D KH manager or manually correcting?

 

[Felix_Brown]

@felixare you using the D-D KH manager or manually correcting?

I used the Apex to look at the ph and determine the best time to switch between Complete and pHplus, but I'm not using any automation to tune the ph or alkalinity.

I suspect if you only have a hand-held ph monitor you can still do it, just takes a little more effort to determine the best switching time.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I used the Apex to look at the ph and determine the best time to switch between Complete and pHplus, but I'm not using any automation to tune the ph or alkalinity.

I suspect if you only have a hand-held ph monitor you can still do it, just takes a little more effort to determine the best switching time.

You switch between alk additives to maintain some specific pH range? What range?

 

[Felix_Brown]

You switch between alk additives to maintain some specific pH range? What range?

Yes, I am, yes! It is part of the H2P method approach.

At the moment is sitting between 8.15-8.25 but I'm sure it will change with winter, etc.. In any case, I'm quite happy with that!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, I am, yes! It is part of the H2P method approach.

At the moment is sitting between 8.15-8.25 but I'm sure it will change with winter, etc.. In any case, I'm quite happy with that!

Thanks. How did you pick that range?

 

[Felix_Brown]

You switch between alk additives to maintain some specific pH range? What range?

It is part of the H2P method approach!

Thanks. How did you pick that range?

It just naturally settled there once I finished setting the H2P method.

But the guys at Reef Zlements recommend aiming at a minimum of 8.15 with an ideal range between 8.2-8.3 so, I may increase the dosing window for pHplus and reduce Complete but, for now I am happy with it so, I'll just leave it!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is part of the H2P method approach!


It just naturally settled there once I finished setting the H2P method.

But the guys at Reef Zlements recommend aiming at a minimum of 8.15 with an ideal range between 8.2-8.3 so, I may increase the dosing window for pHplus and reduce Complete but, for now I am happy with it so, I'll just leave it!

OK, there's nothing wrong with that, but I'm also not sure there would be anything wrong with using all the high pH supplement, and many folks like the faster hard coral growth of higher pH. :)

 

[Felix_Brown]

OK, there's nothing wrong with that, but I'm also not sure there would be anything wrong with using all the high pH supplement, and many folks like the faster hard coral growth of higher pH. :)

I'm sure you are right but, suspect precipitation would be more likely to happen thus them advising the levels they do.

Especially as their 2 parts include many other elements which will become elevated if dosing was to be increased due to the calcium carbonate precipitation. I’ve personally experienced this in the past when I tried to raise the ph as high as possible (using their pHplus and a CO2 scrubber) without any regards for the other levels. I got to a peak ph of 8.6 but then, I found myself needing to dose an insane amount of pHplus to keep alkalinity and calcium up. At that point started noticing on my ICPs elevated bromide, potassium, and magnesium levels. I reached out to them for help, and they explained exactly what was happening, why and how to resolve it.

Once the precipitation was sorted along with a few water changes to bring those elements down and I stopped looking for the highest ph possible everything went back to normal.

Time will tell but, suspect I may have better results long term with higher stability rather than pushing the levels up and incurring in issues like precipitation, bigger swings, etc. With that said, at some point, I will most likely try to push the ph just a little bit up by switching to pHplus sooner in the day to try getting it between 8.2-8.3 and get a bit faster growth. But for sure will not fall into the same trap again. :)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm sure you are right but, suspect precipitation would be more likely to happen thus them advising the levels they do.

Especially as their 2 parts include many other elements which will become elevated if dosing was to be increased due to the calcium carbonate precipitation. I’ve personally experienced this in the past when I tried to raise the ph as high as possible (using their pHplus and a CO2 scrubber) without any regards for the other levels. I got to a peak ph of 8.6 but then, I found myself needing to dose an insane amount of pHplus to keep alkalinity and calcium up. At that point started noticing on my ICPs elevated bromide, potassium, and magnesium levels. I reached out to them for help, and they explained exactly what was happening, why and how to resolve it.

Once the precipitation was sorted along with a few water changes to bring those elements down and I stopped looking for the highest ph possible everything went back to normal.

Time will tell but, suspect I may have better results long term with higher stability rather than pushing the levels up and incurring in issues like precipitation, bigger swings, etc. With that said, at some point, I will most likely try to push the ph just a little bit up by switching to pHplus sooner in the day to try getting it between 8.2-8.3 and get a bit faster growth. But for sure will not fall into the same trap again. :)

That certainly could be, but I’ll note that putting trace elements into a two part is convenient, just like it is in AFR, but it is not necessarily optimal. I personally would not do it that way.

 

[Borat]

I don't know why people appreciate dosing product for their "PH" properties. After all these are all the simple sodium (bi) carbonate or sodium hydroxide (or mix of) solutions - they are no different between RZ elemenets and other commercially (or DIY'd) 2 part solutions.

I dose sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide to keep PH in range - this does not need any expensive ready-made solutions.

I heard people rather like RZ complete for the good mix of trace elements. Regarding how well those trace elements are added to their 2 part mixes - is unknown to me, as I never used their products (or any other commercially made products) .

 

[Felix_Brown]

That certainly could be, but I’ll note that putting trace elements into a two part is convenient, just like it is in AFR, but it is not necessarily optimal. I personally would not do it that way.

I suspect they aim at ease of dosing by including everything in the 2 part. Keep it simple for people that want to keep it simple.

But then, because they likely know is not optimal, is probably why as part of the H2P method they recommend the separate trace dosing, specifically tailored to each one's tank.

I don't know why people appreciate dosing product for their "PH" properties. After all these are all the simple sodium (bi) carbonate or sodium hydroxide (or mix of) solutions - they are no different between RZ elemenets and other commercially (or DIY'd) 2 part solutions.

I dose sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide to keep PH in range - this does not need any expensive ready-made solutions.

I heard people rather like RZ complete for the good mix of trace elements. Regarding how well those trace elements are added to their 2 part mixes - is unknown to me, as I never used their products (or any other commercially made products) .

Perhaps you might want to look at the effects of ph on coral growth and health. That is why I personally want to keep my ph in good levels.

Well I guess anyone can DIY the dosing solution, but then not everyone wants the faff dealing with potentially dangerous materials especially if there are companies offering good products and support.

 

[ReneReef]

Well I guess anyone can DIY the dosing solution, but then not everyone wants the faff dealing with potentially dangerous materials especially if there are companies offering good products and support.

Well, pHplus is a 2.5 Molar (10%) Sodium Hydroxide solution. You definitely don't want that near anyone or anything that corrodes easily you care for.

I hope those bottles all come with safety instructions attached not just an orange danger triangle on the back. Because, with a product like that you should be prepared for dealing with spillage and appropriate first aid measures.

All the faff of DIY might actually help people understand what they are dealing with and take proper precautions. Instead of buying an off the shelf product in a fancy and safe looking bottle.

I mix myself, I don't go higher than 1M (2%).
I use a lab coat, eye protection and gloves. When switching out pHplus bottle, those wouldn't be such a bad idea either.

As a disclaimer I will say, up front that I am a RZ fan boy and I've been using Reef Zlements products for a few years now. Initially, I started with their 2-part system, and over the past 10 months, after speaking with them, I added the two additional trace mixes, dosing hourly to improve trace element availability. Both approaches have worked well for me, and I’ve been happy with the results.

Since they launched the H2P method, I began using it and I’m already noticing a higher and more stable pH with much less swing, which I hope will lead to faster coral growth!

If you go to their website they have a comprehensive manual which explains the method in detail but, it is my experience that you don't need to implement it fully to get good results.

https://www.zlements.com/rz-dosing-system


I suspect the reason @Randy Holmes-Farley doesn’t see many reviews for Reef Zlements on R2R is that their products aren’t available in the U.S. Since R2R users are primarily U.S.-based, that could explain it. From what I see and hear in the UK, including feedback from a couple of LFS I use, Reef Zlements is one of the main brands in use over here.

I don't use Reef Zlements , but I have been dosing in this pH-dependent manner for several years now.
I do have the KH dosing programmed to my pH on a Profilux. It works fantastically well. When I started working from home a lot during Covid my tank got into trouble with very low pH. This way of dosing ended up saving it.

I've tried all the pH raising techniques.
The pH-dependent dosing seems complicated but I find it much easier to tune and deal with than anything using kalkwasser.
My tanks always used to use 1.2 to 1.5 KH per day. The pH-dependent dosing took it to 2.6 KH per day.

A downside I noticed now I'm allying it to a new tank, is that you need a certain level of KH consumption to give you the room to tune your pH. I went from a 230L system to 900L. It uses now about 1 KH per day, for this tank that is too little to be able to really choose a pH.

In the basis I just use the Original Balling recipe. That is entirely based on using a 1 meq/L KH solution, so easy to calculate with.
I make Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium bicarbonate and Calcium chloride solutions myself. The Balling part C (Mag/NaCl free salt) I buy off the shelf. For traces I add the Fauna Marin Trace 1-3 bottles to the KH and Calcium mixes. Cheap and works perfectly.

So, yes, I'm also a fan of that way of dosing!

 

[Borat]

A downside I noticed now I'm allying it to a new tank, is that you need a certain level of KH consumption to give you the room to tune your pH. I went from a 230L system to 900L. It uses now about 1 KH per day, for this tank that is too little to be able to really choose a pH.

That's a good point, you do need a critical coral mass in order for dkh consumption be sufficiently large and allowing one to add sufficient amount of PH raising solution. If DKH consumption is near or below 1DKH per day - it would be a complete waste of time (and money).

Nowadays my tank is at 3 DKH a day - and I manage to floor PH at 8.1 at night, this raises 8.5-8.6 towards the end of the day. I mainly dose high PH solution during night hours, during the day it's sodium carbonate, still PH raising but less potent.