KEITH MOYLE
REEF ADDITIVES: DOES YOUR TANK NEED THEM? INTRODUCTION In most fish stores, you'll find a wide range of reef aquarium additives for a multitude of uses, all claiming to improve the conditions in your reef. Each has a unique selling point, and some may even suggest that your reef cannot flourish without them. If you are a newcomer to the hobby, you may be overwhelmed by the selection available and possibly confused as to what you really need for your tank. In this article, I will provide an overview of the types of additives that are available, categorize them, and consider their uses and value in the reef aquarium. TYPES OF ADDITIVES For the purpose of this article, I define an "additive" as any product in liquid or powder form that is added to the aquarium, including those used for the sole purpose of removing unwanted compounds from the tank through chemical interaction. For ease of reference, I will categorize them as supplements, conditioners, foods, probiotics, and treatments. DO YOU NEED ADDITIVES? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer, as all systems are different, and many factors will influence which additives, if any, are
38
www.reefhobbyistmagazine.com