[davidb6]

I’m setting up a 65 gal reef utilizing a Berlin type (with live sand) method.

400W + of (Outer Orbit H, T5,etc) lighting, 90 lbs of live rock, 2200 GPH flow, Remora Pro skimmer, 40 lbs aragonite, 20lbs live sand.

My live rock and live sand are due to arrive this week. After the cycling is complete I want to make sure I add the right supplements. I visit lots of pet shops and found several of them using B-Ionic (alkalinity/calcium) with much success.

I could use some advised in the area of supplements.

[Six-line Wrasse]

Regular water changes of 10 - 15% will replenish most of the elements you're going to be told to supplement. The only other things I could think of is a two-part calcium & alkalinity supplement if you're maintaining a SPS tank, otherwise 10 - 15% will have enough calcium already in it.

[pogodzib]

Ditto Six-line wrasse. The only time I ever run into problems is when I add supplements, so I keep them to a minimal. The only thing that I usually add is my homemade calcium/alkalinity supplement and kalk water. All other chemicals get replenished through water changes. An xxception may be to add Iodine if you keep Xenia.

[davidb6]

Thanks for the input on the additives. I was hoping to get to a 5% water change every other week as the tank matures.

Any thought or experience with adding live rock and live sand into a new tank at the same time?

I've heard no - you can't clean up the dead stuff if you have sand in the tank
I've heard yes - the sand will help with the cycling and you don't want to cycle your tank twice (one for rock and again for sand).

Any ideas?

[walkerj14]

i have a similiar set up with a 90 gal... i echo the comments about supplements... water changes weekly of 10 % are important, i only add calcium and alkaline supplement 3 times a week,, ( high coral load) and iodine 2 times a week

[Six-line Wrasse]

Add the lie rock and then add the sand, in that order, in the same 24 hrs. is the best way to start up a tank. It cycles everything at once and also is just a good, clean starting point.

[davidb6]

Thanks for all the good feedback and advise…I really appreciate it!

[Six-line Wrasse]

That's what some of us more experienced members try to do for those of you who have questions! Helpful communities make happy communities!

[davidb6]

And most important, happy fish, inverts and corals too.... : )

[elkman97462]

I would be interested in knowing pogodzib's "homemade calcium/alkalinity supplement" receipe.