best calcium/alkalinity products for zeovit

[earwicker7]

I'm now dosing the macroelements, zeospur, iron and iodide supplements along with both types of aminos and the regular zeovit stuff. I have a question about what I should be using for calcium and alkalinity supplementation. I don't have room for a calcium reactor, so until now I have been using the b-ionic two-part supplements. My only worry is that, since these contain major and trace elements in addition to the calcium and alkalinity buffer, I may have a buildup of too many elements, which, according to the zeovit manual, can cause darkening of the tissues in a nutrient poor environment. Is it ok to continue using this, or should I switch to something else? If I should switch, do anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.

[Aged Salt]

Hi Earwicker, until you find room for a CR, stay with BIBC. If your corals darken, adjust the zeo-supplements accordingly, Bob

[earwicker7]

Thanks. It's pretty easy to test for the iodine and iron, so if I keep these in line with the low end of NSW parameters and my corals darken, is there any one product you think I should start out reducing, or should I just experiment until I get the best results?

[Aged Salt]

As your nutrients do become lower, the elements must be lower also for good coloring to occur. If your saltmix is fortified with extra traces, vitamins, etc, consider changing. I would continue to use all the zeo-supplements at 50% of previous, if coral darkening occurs. Remember too that Bak/Food/Start2 in excess can cause darkening & must also gradually be reduced as your nutrients drop. Bob

[earwicker7]

Cool--I've actually always low-balled my zeovit additions, so this should work out well. Everything is actually coloring up very well now, I'm just trying to make sure that everything stays that way.