Trace elements from calcium reactor

[Dave-T]

There's a "BRSTV Investigates" episode here:


In it, at about 0:50, Randy refers to another episode where they showed that calcium reactor media doesn't contain a meaningful amount of trace elements. I've searched and searched, and I can't find that episode. I'd like to hear more details about what they found. Does anyone have a link for that episode?

Thanks!

 

[minus9]

The only trace elements that dissolve back into solution are the ones that are bound to the skeleton initially. Most trace elements are utilized by the soft tissue/zooxanthellae rather than the skeleton itself. I would never count on media to provide trace elements and most only provide Ca/Alk with special added media providing mag. Also, coral skeletons will also add a good portion of PO4 as well, some more so than others.

 

[Dave-T]

Understood, and thanks. I'd still like to see that video though, I'm curious about the details.

 

[minus9]

 

[Dave-T]

Thanks, but that's not it. He mentions that he was planning to test trace elements in a future video. That's the one I'm looking for.

 

[Bulk Reef Supply Verified Sponsor]

There was never a video on this specific topic as the ICP test we sent in had almost no trace element content. It would've been a pretty dull and quick episode Like @minus9 said, I wouldn't count on calcium reactor media for trace elements.

 

[Dave-T]

Aha! Thanks. So the mystery video, referred to several times, doesn’t actually exist. Tricky. So apparently that means that coral skeletons are made exclusively of calcium.