Adding Additives while cycling

[idgy]

Can you add additives to a tank that is cycling?

I am talking about Warner Marine Research CalxMax, Part A & B 32 oz. and Superbuffer dKH by Kent Marine.

My tank has been cycling for about 3 weeks now.

 

[wrightme43]

If you have a test kit that says you need it. Sure. If CA is below 350 or Alk below 2 I guess I would. If not I would just leave it be. There is not alot of stuff using CA in a cycling tank. Now buffer on the other hand can be used up rapidly. I would just use a baking soda washing soda mix to raise buffer. Steve

 

[Sparks]

I'd use that new Purple Up product, while it's kinda hard to prove if it helps to build coraline algae much over other supplements, purple-up has all supplements for corals (minus just "trace elements" which at cycling isnt need anyway). Having at least some kind of calicum additive will probably help to stabilize your ph swings the cycling process (and having "new" water) will do (& I'd probably just dose half of the suggested amount til your cycle was complete). Plus even if it's just a little better at adding more purple to brown and gray rock, im happy.

 

[NaH2O]

I would probably wait until the tank is done cycling before adding supplements (unless they are really low?). As stated, not too much in there that is going to be using calcium at this point...at least enough to lower it significantly. How are your parameters doing with the cycle? If you do plan on dosing, test your parameters prior to dose, and the following day, so you can see what the new level is.

 

[Skimmy]

i've always tried to maintain natural seawater levels of calcium and alkainity while i cycle the tank, i think it benifits the rock and helps keep the algae cycle to a minimum. calmax potentially contains enough trace elements that wont be used in a tank thats cycling that it may stimulate the algae cycle, so i probably wouldnt use that product while cycling, although i like calmax a lot and think it's a great product. i would probably suggest kalkwasser and the warner marine alk buffer w/ magnesium.