What Reefing Products Are Necessary For a New Tank? What Isn’t?

[Reefer Matt]

With a vast amount of choices in reefing products, it can be very confusing for new Reefers to decide what is necessary, and what isn’t. Sometimes I see new Reefers with new tanks dosing various additives because they were told to (usually by the person selling it to them). What additive products, if any, do you think are necessary for a new tank, and what isn’t?

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I truly believe the only product necessary for new tanks (In additives) is salt with waterchanges.

Too much correcting and tweaking early on is futile.

 

[lapin]

Its a really broad question. Tank size will be a big factor in what you need. Pico tank you just need the tank and salt water. 100 gallons and up will require a bunch of stuff.

 

[Reefer Matt]

Its a really broad question. Tank size will be a big factor in what you need. Pico tank you just need the tank and salt water. 100 gallons and up will require a bunch of stuff.

Let’s say I just got the system running. All the basic equipment to support a reef is in place. But then I walk into the LFS and they start suggesting I add this and that. What are those additives you think are necessary at the beginning stages of a reef tank, and what is just a sales pitch?

 

[lapin]

What are those additives you think are necessary at the beginning stages of a reef tank, and what is just a sales pitch?

None.... Water changes will take care of everything in the first few months.

 

[Battlecorals]

do you mean just additive products or hardware as well iso so,. I think a good properly tuned RO/DI is essential. maybe number one even.

additives, tough to say other than all and calcium

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I would say an RODI is pretty crucial. I know some people can have pure well water, but I would still use an RODI to make sure the water is 100% free of tds

 

[Reefer Matt]

do you mean just additive products or hardware as well iso so,. I think a good properly tuned RO/DI is essential. maybe number one even.

additives, tough to say other than all and calcium

Either is helpful really, but it is an open pit if we include all the hardware, etc. I guess the reason for this thread is to help new Reefers get through the onslaught of additional products that get pitched to them as “magic potions” or “necessary” by their LFS or community groups.

For example, some may say that bottled bacteria is necessary, or certain aminos, etc. There are also some new Reefers that may start dosing alk and Ca immediately because they were told to do so. Just trying to help them save money and frustration.