Value of additives

[Bathypelagic]

When I first started my 75 gal fowlr three years ago the lfs handed me a container of Osmo Prep and a container of Tropical Science Marine-Max. I still have the first two fish I ever purchased, Majestic Angel & White Cheeked Tang, and hate to change routines, but does anyone know if either of these products are of any value, or am I just throwing money away.

 

[lizardarm]

i'd say that as long as you're doing regular water changes with a quality salt mix (IOrc) then you shouldn't need the extra additives.

 

[daytonaconnecti]

i was told if you cant test for it, dont add it....

 

[Pauls]

Ya, what they said. Especially in a fowlr. I had a fowlr setup for 4 years and the only fish i lost were from stupidity on my part (always buy from a reputible source.) I never added anything as far as supplements go, just regular water changes.

 

[Pauls]

BTW welcome to RF!

 

[Bathypelagic]

Thank you. I asked the same question on another forum and I got zero responses so your replies are a welcome site and appreciated. Actually I am at a bit of a crossroads. My tang and angel are in desperate need of a larger tank but the desire to make it a reef is getting stronger. The only problem would be giving up the Majestic Angel.

 

[wrightme43]

You know you probley dont have to give up the majestic. I have blue face in my reef, two reefs I maintain have emperator angels, another has a majestic. No problems out of anything but the emperators, they both love to eat zoos. I dont know how they do it, but they eat them carmel corn. My understanding is that the best full size angel for the reef is the majestic.

 

[My2heartboys]

When I first started my 75 gal fowlr three years ago the lfs handed me a container of Osmo Prep and a container of Tropical Science Marine-Max. I still have the first two fish I ever purchased, Majestic Angel & White Cheeked Tang, and hate to change routines, but does anyone know if either of these products are of any value, or am I just throwing money away.

Tropical Science Marine-Max

Do you have a link that tells what this is???

Anne

 

[Bathypelagic]

Since I am new here I don't know the rules about showing links to non-sponsor's sights so I will quote from what is listed on several:

"This dual-action disease prevention and life extension system includes probiotic bacterial strains that protect against Ick, Ameromonas and other diseases. It includes 17 antioxidants to help ensure cellular strength and boost natural disease immunity. Copper, chemical, and drug-free way to prevent disease in saltwater aquariums. Totally natural product and safe for use with all marine fish and delicate invertebrates. Use 1 tsp of #1 and #2 per 20 gallons every 2 weeks. For unhealthy aquariums, use 1 tsp of #1 and #2 up to 3 times per week. 16 oz treats up to 950 gallons."

 

[Detri]

The admin here are pretty relaxed on that issue. Just don't be selling stuff in the wrong places and keep arguments down to a respectful banter. Heck Linkky.....errr....I mean Nikki posts more links per thread than anyone. Anf she is RF staff hehe.

And welcome to the last reef site you will ever need

 

[Electrokate]

That supplement does not sound necessary to me... probably something pushed by a fish store to cycle a new tank and may actually be never really all that relevant. If you go reef you get to learn so much more about supplements... much of which can't be backed scientifically! And people have very strong contradictory opinions while claiming success with exclusively this or that product. Makes my head spin. All I want to know is which brand is best and who sells it cheapest

Reading a lot and taking anything with a grain of salt helps. I don't trust any product that won't list its ingredients or claims too many unrelated positive outcomes

That said, I understand that the zeo people don't want other manufacturers jumping on their technology, that makes sense so maybe shouldn't paint with such a broad brush. I am cautious and skeptical in nature, prone to be repelled by aggressive and ambiguous marketing, so I want 2nd opinions from actual experienced users. With ich medicines especially I have found a little research goes a long way and saves a TON of money. I think if you do go full reef you will find many helpful people on this board who can tell you which supplements they use, which lights etc and compose a sane approach to the coral of your choosing. Just don't get crazy like me and mix a bunch of stuff that needs opposite conditions and hate eachother... I should have done more research! Oops.
Kate

 

[MikeS]

I agree with the above...regualr water changes and feeding should take care of replenishment issues. Since you have a fowlr tank, Calcium, Magnesium and carbonate alkalinity are not as big of an issue as they are in the reef, but may need to be supplimented occasionally if you have lots of coralline growth in your tank. Don't try to suppliment these things without a test kit, however. As stated above, don't suppliment your tank with anything you are not testing for...

Tropical Science Marine-Max...this is not necessary for your tank at all...on the contrary, it is likely nothing more than algae fuel, you will likely not see any benefits from its use....I'd skip it...

MikeS