Trace Elements For Reef Aquariums Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff

Q. I am confused by the number of trace element products on the market. What

should I be adding to my aquarium on a regular basis? I have a 120-gallon reef

tank hosting a mix of soft and hard corals.

A. All quality salt mixes include the trace elements required by corals, fish, and

invertebrates. These trace elements are regularly depleted by your aquarium

inhabitants, protein skimming, and chemical filtration. Monthly water changes of

20% to 30% are recommended to replenish any elements which may have been

exhausted. In a heavily-stocked reef aquarium, these elements are often depleted at

a much faster rate, and should be replenished by using commercially available reef

supplements. The trace elements of special concern for reef tanks include calcium,

strontium, and iodine.

One important trace element is calcium, which is depleted very rapidly by

both hard corals and the coralline algae in the system. Calcium also plays a

crucial role in buffering your water. It should be replenished and maintained

at 350ppm - 450 ppm using kalkwasser, calcium reactor, or a liquid calcium.

Strontium is utilized by both hard corals and invertebrates and should be

maintained at a level of 8 ppm with the use of a liquid supplement.

Iodine is consumed by all aquarium inhabitants and should be maintained at

0.06 ppm with a liquid supplement.

All other major and minor trace elements should be maintained both through

regular water changes, and with the use of a liquid supplement.

Trace elements can be overdosed into the aquarium, so be careful and monitor

these levels with the appropriate test kit and keep and eye on the overall health of

the aquarium.

Trace Elements For Reef Aquariums - Page 1 of 1

Unauthorized use of any images, thumbnails, illustrations, descriptions, article content, or registered trademarks of Foster & Smith, Inc. is strictly

prohibited under copyright law. Site content, including photography, descriptions, pricing, promotions, and availability are subject to change without

notice. These restrictions are necessary in order to protect not only our copyrighted intellectual property, but also the health of pets, since articles or

images that are altered or edited after download could result in misinformation that may harm companion animals, aquatic life, or native species.