Strontium

[nate_mcnasty]

what is it and is it really important?

[wolmutt]

Don't need it. You only need to add calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. If you do a water change every couple of weeks you tank gets all the other elements your corals need.

[David Grigor]

Most salt mixes are already higher in strontium than Natural levels so no need to supplement. Plus, it's really debated if strontium is actually needed for calcification or if it's found in the skeletal because it's so similiar to calcium.

Regardless, supplmenting shouldn't be necessary plus the test kits for strontium are hard to use and likely not very accurate.

[coralreefer]

The test kits often contain harsh reagents as well. I agree that it is probably overkill to test and dose for it. There are probably better things that you can do to your reef tank with that time.

[nate_mcnasty]

ok thanks i'm buying thing i need for my tank that i don't have like test kits magnesium and i think a refractometer (i know i can't spell sorry ). is there any thing else you think i need? already have cal and alk

[kpete4]

What brand of test kits are you looking at?

You should pick up a magfloat - it would make cleaning the front a ton easier

[nate_mcnasty]

salifert ok i'll try

[storrisch]

I have been using the newer Elos kits lately and like them.

p.s. I am colorblind and can figure them out so if I can figure them out without the help of my wife anyone can.......:dork:

[nate_mcnasty]

i herd that salifert is a little more precise than elos for mag

[coralreefer]

A pH probe is something to look at also.

[nate_mcnasty]

my ac jr has a ph probe :beerchug: