Has anyone used any of these products?  If so, could you please let me know what your opinions of them are.

1). SeaChem: Reef Plus, Reef Calcium, and Reef Complete

2). Marc Weiss': Reef Vital Formula DNA

3). Marc Weiss': Coral Vital

I was thinking about giving one of these three a try, however, I was detered last night when I noticed that SeaChem Reef Plus contains copper in it.  (I wasn't able to check if the Marc Weiss' products contained copper because they were not in stock.)  I was under the impression that copper was bad for invertebrates.  The amount of copper that SeaChem Reef Plus contained was 0.001mg.  So, exactly how much copper is tolerable?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

I agree with what Mark said.

Keep your pH, Alkalinity, and Calcium in check and your aquarium will do good IMO.  Kalkwasser or a two part calcium is an easy way to keep your alk and calcium in balance.

I stay away from all other additives (for the most part).

could you please let me know what your opinions of them are

I don't use any of those products, but I can give you my opinion .

Reef Plus:  This is a mix of trace elements, vitamins and amino acids.  The nice thing about this product is that does list the ingredients.  But I'm not convinced that it's necessary.  I don't use any additives like this.  I rely on water changes and uneaten food to replenish any lost trace elements, vitamins or amino acids.  I might be convinced to try one of these products though... maybe.

Reef Calcium:  This is "bioavailable" calcium (whatever that means ).  It's calcium polygluconate.  I think adding too much of this could result in algae blooms and could even result in low O2 levels due to this increased bacterial action.  The polygluconate portion, after being processed by bacteria, should contribute to alkalinity too.  I might use this product sparingly.

Reef Complete:  This is just CaCl2 dissolved in water (and a little magnesium and strontium thrown in as well).  This additive does not add any additional alkalinity to your tank.  I don't have any real issues with using it other then I much prefer a balanced Ca/Alk additive such as kalkwasser or B-ionic or a calcium reactor.

As for Mark Weiss's stuff... I wouldn't put anything in my tank that does not list ingredients.  None of Weiss's stuff does, so I've never used it and would never advocated it's usage.  Not to mention the ridiculous product/label claims of this stuff.

In general, I like Seachem's products but don't really use 'em.  I feed my tank fish and coral food (frozen foods, flake, phyto, golden pearls, cyclops) and maintain calcium and alkalinity, for the most part, using a calcium reactor and kalkwasser.  Occasionally (every couple months or so) I need to make adjustments to my calcium or alkalinity and use Dowflake/Peladow/Kent's Turbo Calcium and baking soda.

Long story short... I agree with Mark and Jake.  Stay away from most additives, just maintain calcium and alk.

I have probably used all the seachem products due to my tank looking so poor for a couple of years.  I only added reef calcium in the last couple of months just to get rid of it and make some room on my aquarium shelf.  I tried everything to get my tank to 'come around' and nothing seemed to work.

Until I joined the club and had some crazy guy talking about Ca and Alkalinity being the most important things to keep in check, keeping your tank well fed, a sump with reverse lighting and I can't forget the oolitic sand and Utah rock, which he proceeded to hand out like candy!

Needless to say, I don't use this stuff anymore and would gladly make room on my shelf by donating it to you.  If you want I'll take inventory of what I have, but like I said.  I haven't seen it do anything to my tank.

John

Thanks for the offer John, but I think I will pass.  After reading some of these suggestions, I think I am going to try the Kalkwasser.

By the way, what is Kalkwasser and how does one go about getting it?

Does one really have to add this Kalkwasser using the drip method?  (I believe I remember reading this before, however I am not 100% sure.)  If so, how do some people go about doing it?  (I hope this is nothing to elaborate.)

Hello everyone,

Tyrosinase wrote: By the way, what is Kalkwasser and how does one go about getting it?

It's hydrated lime, aka pickling lime. It's avaliable at most grocery stores at the right time of year. However, you can likely find it online year round. Mrs Wages and Ball are two common brands.

Tyrosinase wrote: Does one really have to add this Kalkwasser using the drip method?

Yep. Adding the stuff too quickly will screw with your water chemistry. IMO, you should drip everything you add to your tank.

Tyrosinase wrote: If so, how do some people go about doing it?

IMO preparing/using kalk is a PITA. I won't elaborate on the process as I'm sure someone else will be happy to describe it.

If your tank is small enough and it's demands are low enough, I recommend using B-Ionic. It's a more expensive option, however it's considerably more convenient.

Hope that helps,

Chris

Kalkwasser is a good choice.  It will add alkalinity and calcium in a balanced fashion.

You will need to add it slowly as Kalkwasser is extremely basic and will make your pH rise to unsafe levels if added too quickly.

I run a ca reactor and kalk reactor... no pains here... In fact, it's pretty easy compaired to adding those balanced doses each day in the am before lights on, etc. A little preventitive maintenance and keeping the reactors charged and voila. Just my $.02.

Jason