Aquaforest probiotic method

[Myka]

I'd be trying a different test kit. I haven't seen a bucket that low in any of the three Aquaforest salts.

[intarsiabox]

I have a 40g mixed reef that I've had going for a year, it's sumpless with a Tunze 9004 skimmer and an Aquaclear 70 that I use for carbon and phosguard. I started using the AF reef salt a few weeks ago and all was good. I then stared using the Pro Bio S and NP Pro almost 2 weeks ago. I dose one drop of each one night and then 2 drops each the next. Since I started on this I've started to get a light fluffy algae on my rocks and tank glass, does this seem like a normal process when starting with this stuff? I've since taken out the Phosguard as I read not to use alumina based phosphate removers with AF products so I don't know if that is a cause. I'm hesitant to get the coral additives until this algae disappears. Phosphate levels are 0.03 or less when tested with a Hanna Ultra Low Phosphorus checker. Alk is around 7dkh and Calcium is a bit high at 468. Any thoughts?

[spedly]

Jordon/Myka, thanks for your replies and your patience. I think I'm going to have to get a new test kit. I stupidly threw out my Red Sea test kit when I got my Hanna checker. Myka, you mentioned that you use a Nyos test kit. I'll see if I can find one of those online.

[Jordon]

That's what we're here for!

LOL, I did the same thing when I got my Hanna checker. Got a little too excited to "easy" tests. Needless to say I bought a salifert test a few tests later!

[Myka]

Nice improvements Myka. I have alot of trouble taking photos with my Samsung S5 so I dont usually bother any more.

Hey for your component 1+ 2+ 3+ the Alk seems to be sodium bicarbonate rather then Sodium Carbonate according to the dose/dkh rise. Am I right in assuming this? Its another reason I stick with my own mix as I like to use soda ash which ends up being about 1/2 the liquid dose of sodium bicarbonate. If I'm dosing 85mls right now id probably be dosing closer to 170mls of Component 1+ 2+ 3+ and it would end up being very pricey.

Jordon/Myka, thanks for your replies and your patience. I think I'm going to have to get a new test kit. I stupidly threw out my Red Sea test kit when I got my Hanna checker. Myka, you mentioned that you use a Nyos test kit. I'll see if I can find one of those online.

I don't use Nyos. I use Salifert for calcium (I used to use Elos, but they are hard to find these days). I test alkalinity with both Hanna Checker and Salifert. I haven't used the Red Sea Pro kits for calcium and alkalinity yet, but I'd like to give them a shot. I love the RSP Nitrate kit, but their Mg kit is annoyingly complicated, so I prefer Salifert for Mg. Honestly, you can't go wrong sticking with Salifert for all your testing needs other than PO4.

I have a 40g mixed reef that I've had going for a year, it's sumpless with a Tunze 9004 skimmer and an Aquaclear 70 that I use for carbon and phosguard. I started using the AF reef salt a few weeks ago and all was good. I then stared using the Pro Bio S and NP Pro almost 2 weeks ago. I dose one drop of each one night and then 2 drops each the next. Since I started on this I've started to get a light fluffy algae on my rocks and tank glass, does this seem like a normal process when starting with this stuff? I've since taken out the Phosguard as I read not to use alumina based phosphate removers with AF products so I don't know if that is a cause. I'm hesitant to get the coral additives until this algae disappears. Phosphate levels are 0.03 or less when tested with a Hanna Ultra Low Phosphorus checker. Alk is around 7dkh and Calcium is a bit high at 468. Any thoughts?

Doesn't sound like anything I have experienced or read about anyone else experiencing yet. Why is calcium so high? IMO that's not "a bit high", that's really high. If you're keeping alkalinity around 7.0 dKH, then calcium should be really close to 410 ppm. To put it in perspective, calcium level of 470 ppm has balanced alkalinity of 15.4 dKH.

[Jordon]

Hey Mindy,

Any updates with your SPS turning green?

[intarsiabox]

Doesn't sound like anything I have experienced or read about anyone else experiencing yet. Why is calcium so high? IMO that's not "a bit high", that's really high. If you're keeping alkalinity around 7.0 dKH, then calcium should be really close to 410 ppm. To put it in perspective, calcium level of 470 ppm has balanced alkalinity of 15.4 dKH.

I was using a Hanna Checker for calcium and Alk. Calcium was at 478 on Saturday (after a water change), 468 on Sunday and 450 today using a Salifert kit. I haven't dosed anything just water changes using AF reef salt for the past month (5g weekly). I guess I'll have to mix up a new batch and measure as the numbers on the certificate seem to be way off. So I don't know why calcium is so high but I'm guessing the salt mix.

[intarsiabox]

Mixed new water for a few hours and brought it up to 78 degrees. Salinity is 35ppt, Alk 7.56 (Hanna), Calcium 400 (Salifert, measured twice). I suspect calcium is high due to Reef Crystals previously being used. Tank calcium is now 430-440 and Alk has dropped to 6.66 dkh. I also have AF Component 1, 2, 3 so I guess I just add Component 2 to bring up my Alk to 7.5 and then maintain it at this level until calcium drops to about 420 and then start dosing all 3 components from this point on to maintain levels?

[Myka]

I guess I just add Component 2 to bring up my Alk to 7.5 and then maintain it at this level until calcium drops to about 420 and then start dosing all 3 components from this point on to maintain levels?

No you can't do this with Component 1+2+3+ because you can't buy the Components separate -they only come in a 3 pack so you have to dose all three equally. You need to dose Sodium bicarbonate to maintain alkalinity until calcium comes down. Once Ca is 410, alk is 7.0, and Mg is 1240 then you can start using the Components 1+2+3+.

[Myka]

So I don't know why calcium is so high but I'm guessing the salt mix.

I think it's the Hanna Checker. What other salt do you have around? Maybe mix up some IO (since it has lower calcium) and see if you can get the proper reading from it.

[Myka]

Hey Mindy,

Any updates with your SPS turning green?
No. Maybe it's a phase. I'm hoping anyway! ;)

[intarsiabox]

I think it's the Hanna Checker. What other salt do you have around? Maybe mix up some IO (since it has lower calcium) and see if you can get the proper reading from it.

I don't have any other salt, used it all up before starting with the AF. I used a Salifert test kit on the tank and a new batch of water. For the tank the color started changing at 430 and went fully blue at 440. The newly mixed salt only came out at 400, I did the test twice and got the exact same result. So the AF isn't high on calcium and will require dosing in a few days.

[intarsiabox]

No you can't do this with Component 1+2+3+ because you can't buy the Components separate -they only come in a 3 pack so you have to dose all three equally. You need to dose Sodium bicarbonate to maintain alkalinity until calcium comes down. Once Ca is 410, alk is 7.0, and Mg is 1240 then you can start using the Components 1+2+3+.

Arm and Hammer it is then! Thanks Mindy, I only recently inherited and then bought a couple more SPS frags. In the last month they have kept nice colors and have grow a bit. I never really bothered testing since most of my corals were soft with a few LPS mixed in so water changes alone always sufficed.

I'm not sure about the fluffy algae I'm getting but I'll let it run its course (it comes off easy with a toothbrush and 5 minutes of time). The AF bacteria seems to be working well as Nitrates are immeasurable and phosphates on my Hanna ULP are showing 0 were they used to show 0.03ppm. Since I removed the Phosguard I've dosed a few drops of Fozdown to try and get rid of the algae but I going to have to stop for awhile. I only have one little fish in the tank so I don't feed much but got some Coral Frenzy to get a bit of nitrate and feed the corals. I guess I can look at ordering the Coral A, V, E, B now to try it out as well.

[Myka]

I don't have any other salt, used it all up before starting with the AF. I used a Salifert test kit on the tank and a new batch of water. For the tank the color started changing at 430 and went fully blue at 440. The newly mixed salt only came out at 400, I did the test twice and got the exact same result. So the AF isn't high on calcium and will require dosing in a few days.

Sorry, I misunderstood, I thought you said the fresh AF saltwater mixed up with high calcium since you said "I don't know why calcium is so high but I'm guessing the salt mix." If you are indeed getting 400 ppm out of the AF salt mix that should be correct then. AF is designed around natural seawater parameters. Imo, it is not a good salt mix to use for those who just want to use water changes to maintain parameters. AF salt mixes are designed to have parameters that match the tank so there should not be any increases or decreases in the "big three" after a water change.

I guess I can look at ordering the Coral A, V, E, B now to try it out as well.

I'd suggest you don't use Coral A, E, or V until you have the algae under control. Also, unless you have a large SPS load, I think for most LPS and softy tanks the Coral A, B, E, and V aren't really needed and may cause more grief than anything (as they are mostly foods/nutrients).

Fyi, the names have changed:

Coral A = AF Amino Mix
Coral B = AF Build
Coral E = AF Energy
Coral V = AF Vitality

The names and packaging have changed, but the products are the same.

[Potatohead]

Well I'm at a loss...

After discovering that my salinity was off I have spent the past couple of weeks getting it back up to normal levels. After a water change today, I calibrated my refractometer with the Pinpoint solution and measured the salinity in my tank at 1.025. Not the 1.026 I was hoping for but definitely within reason.

A couple of hours later I went to the grocery store to buy a jug of distilled water then used my Hanna checker to measure calcium and.....381. Hrmph. I feel like I'm back where I'm started. I'm still not seeing calcium levels others are seeing.

There are three variables that might be throwing stuff off:

- Pinpoint solution. Does this stuff expire? It's a couple of years old but was never opened until two weeks ago. Should it be shaken before use?

- Refractometer. Should I compare it at the LFS? Is it "spoiled" since I've only used RO/DI for calibration up to this point?

- Bad batch of salt mix? I'm at the end of the current bucket and will have to open a new bucket next week. Maybe wait and see what I measure from that before taking next steps?

I feel like I'm missing something obvious or maybe just have a bad batch of salt.

I don't know if this helps, but I was reading a thread over on RC last night about this calibration solution being way off. The poster was doubting it, ended up making his own calibration solution with a recipe found online, and discovered the pinpoint stuff was actually at 38 ppt :surprise:. If yours is also high this would explain why your calcium is low. I am using the AF reef salt and it mixes in the 410 - 415 range @ 1.026

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2583418&highlight=calibration+solution

[spedly]

:frusty:

You just can't make this up.

This is good information though. The container of fluid that I have is about two years old and I acknowledge that it could be off. I had already planned on ordering a new bottle of calibration fluid the next time I placed an order.

[Jordon]

Hey guys,

Just got all my supplies for the switch. I have a 20g mixed reef and was wondering what you guys recommend for my first water change with the Probiotic Reef salt.

Should i start slow at around 10% or should I do more initially?

My parameters are very close to the AF target valued i.e.:
@ 1.025
Alk: 7 dKH
Calcium: 410

What would you guys recommend?

[WarDog]

Just do what you do normally.

I do 25% every 2 weeks. I've switched from IO, to IO RC, and now to AF Reef. Never noticed any ill effects from changing salt... ever.

[dcw1sfu]

Careful with doing really large water changes with the probiotic reef salt as it may cause a bacterial bloom. You won't get this with the regular reef salt.

I use the probiotic and have done up to 30% water change with the probiotic reef salt but already have a well established bacterial colony in my tank.

[squamishbc]

I am glad I found this thread. I saw this companies salt on Amazon but had never heard of them so wasn't sure, but seems like a good deal and with Amazon's free shipping makes it pretty much a win.

[Jordon]

I think i'll start with a 10% water change to "test the waters" :mrgreen: and then bump up to 25% then 50% in the next few weeks to flush the system.

Thanks for the input guys!

[intarsiabox]

Since I started using the Bio Pro S and NP Pro two weeks ago I have been getting a fluffy type of hair algae all over my tank. Nothing else is being added to the tank except Fozdown and weekly 15% water changes. Should I just stop using these products altogether or continue dosing to see if things get better over time? It's been pretty frustrating going from an algae free tank to having to brush off the rocks every two days.

[Myka]

Careful with doing really large water changes with the probiotic reef salt as it may cause a bacterial bloom. You won't get this with the regular reef salt.

I started off with my usual weekly 13% water changes and then I did back to back 30% and 50% water changes one day after the other only a few weeks into using the new salt. I didn't see any bacteria bloom, but it's definitely possible.

Since I started using the Bio Pro S and NP Pro two weeks ago I have been getting a fluffy type of hair algae all over my tank. Nothing else is being added to the tank except Fozdown and weekly 15% water changes. Should I just stop using these products altogether or continue dosing to see if things get better over time? It's been pretty frustrating going from an algae free tank to having to brush off the rocks every two days.

Have you tried contacting Aquaforest? They have a Facebook group that's very active in answering specific questions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1490485151247025/

[intarsiabox]

Have you tried contacting Aquaforest? They have a Facebook group that's very active in answering specific questions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1490485151247025/

I asked about product availability in Canada on both their Facebook page and website and just got ignored. I can try again to see if anyone answers this question.

[intarsiabox]

Looks like they have more than one Facebook group. The one I went on before you could message AF directly. Maybe this one will be better.

[Myka]

I asked about product availability in Canada on both their Facebook page and website and just got ignored. I can try again to see if anyone answers this question.

Probably because there isn't much following in Canada yet, and no one knew the answer. Right now Amazon is the only Canadian retailer of Aquaforest. I can't see any LFS wanting to carry it because the pricing/shipping on Amazon is too aggressive for LFS to compete.

Looks like they have more than one Facebook group. The one I went on before you could message AF directly. Maybe this one will be better.

I don't know about that - I don't go on FB much. The link I gave you is the link that was provided to me. Maybe you were on the Aquaforest Page rather than the Aquaforest Group?

[duncangweller]

2 25kg boxes of aqua forest reef salt left on Amazon.

[Myka]

2 25kg boxes of aqua forest reef salt left on Amazon.

They lie to us. They say that and then in a few days it will say "only 7 left!" or some thing. It's hard to say how many they really have. :lol:

[patpare]

Well I'm jumping on the Aquaforest train
I just ordered the 25kg reef salt.

[intarsiabox]

I noticed that the downloadable product guide says to dose these 4 products every other day but under the "Products" tab on the AF website when you look at the same products it says to dose daily with the same dosage recommendations. Anyone no which is correct? I posted on the AF Facebook page earlier today but so far no one has an answer.

[Myka]

Most people dose Coral E and B daily and dose A and V every second day. They should be added in the evening after lights out.

[intarsiabox]

Most people dose Coral E and B daily and dose A and V every second day. They should be added in the evening after lights out.

I only have E and B right now and have only been using it for just over a week. I have been dosing B every night but was leery of dosing E nightly so have just been using every other night. My tank has about 35g of water so I've been dosing one drop of B one night and then 2 drops the second, same with E but over a four day span. I changed my light schedule about 2 months ago so the tank is dark by 9 and I dose at 10 for Pro bio S and NP Pro and now B and E so corals get the most out of it. I'll start dosing E nightly and see how things go. Thanks!

[htfn]

Very interested AF Product. How long normally shipping to your door after payment? Amazon says 1 to 3 month.

[WarDog]

I got mine in less than a week.

[intarsiabox]

My wife has Amazon Student so 2 days to get any AF product I've ever ordered.

[htfn]

Great!! Thanks. Are they shipping by Canada post or other?

[Jordon]

Great!! Thanks. Are they shipping by Canada post or other?

Each time I get anything heavier shipped (salt) they usually use UPS in my area. Canada post never delivers anything larger sized or heavy or me, the simply drop off the slip for me to go to the post office.

My other AF products were shipped via Canada Post however - such as A, B, E, V etc..

I have prime and it was free 2 day shipping, but my salt was 3 days.

[htfn]

I'm thinking to order probiotic salt. My tank has little bit softy and LPS. Mainly SPS but they are still small frag and mini colony size. Currently dosing big three plus vinegar. I also run bio-pellet. Do you think I better to dose coral A B E V? And if it's better, do I still need to dose big three and vinegar? Sorry I haven't read all thread yet and still searching
procedure. Thanks

[Potatohead]

For anyone interested Amazon has the 25 kg reef salt boxes back in stock... For now.

I order from Amazon all the time, they are simply fantastic, I do like 3/4 of my shopping on there. Right now they are not using Canada Post they are using Purolator whenever possible. They literally use about a dozen different shippers depending on many factors.

[dcw1sfu]

I'm thinking to order probiotic salt. My tank has little bit softy and LPS. Mainly SPS but they are still small frag and mini colony size. Currently dosing big three plus vinegar. I also run bio-pellet. Do you think I better to dose coral A B E V? And if it's better, do I still need to dose big three and vinegar? Sorry I haven't read all thread yet and still searching
procedure. Thanks

If you are required to dose Alk/Cal/Mag to maintain constant levels, you will still need to continue dosing these elements when adding Coral A / B / E / V as these supplements do not replenish calcium alk or magnesium.

In terms of vinegar that is a carbon source. Aquaforest makes NP Pro which would replace your vinegar and they also make pro bio F which is another carbon source. Either on of these products would replace your vinegar and biopellets, however, you would also need to supplement a bacteria Pro Bio S.

Aquaforests does make Component 1+ 2+ 3+ which is a calcium/alkalinity/magnesium and mineral salt system with the added Trace elements and heavy metals. Or you could make your own and add the trace elements (component strong) and mineral salt. This is what I do as the 5liter pre made jugs would be to costly in my system. Really depends on your system demand.

I currently running the full aquaforest system and have been extremelyhappy with it.

[Potatohead]

ProBioF is bacteria and food source together, it's like NP Pro and ProBioS together in powder form.

I also don't know if you need to dose carbon AND run biopellets, usually one or the other, but I can see it working as long as you don't have absolutely zero nitrate.

[dcw1sfu]

ProBioF is bacteria and food source together, it's like NP Pro and ProBioS together in powder form.

I also don't know if you need to dose carbon AND run biopellets, usually one or the other, but I can see it working as long as you don't have absolutely zero nitrate.

You are right Pro Bio F is the combined formula of Pro F and Pro Bio S. Pro F is strictly a carbon source like np pro just a different type of carbon source.

[duncangweller]

My salt showed up in about 5 days. It was delivered by ups. They just dropped it at the door, he didn't look happy to be lugging 25kg of salt to the door.

[htfn]

I also don't know if you need to dose carbon AND run biopellets, usually one or the other, but I can see it working as long as you don't have absolutely zero nitrate.[/QUOTE]

I had a high nitrate issue and my bio pellet reactor is not big enough. I didn't wanna buy extra reactor. Vinegar is lot cheaper.

[intarsiabox]

If you want to use the NP Pro they only have a reseller on Amazon.ca over-charging by a lot. Aquariumdepot.ca carries it for much cheaper.

[WarDog]

...he didn't look happy to be lugging 25kg of salt to the door.

He should have stayed in school.:biggrin:

[intarsiabox]

He should have stayed in school.:biggrin:

I stayed in school and I don't look happy lugging a bucket of salt around either!

[htfn]

If you are required to dose Alk/Cal/Mag to maintain constant levels, you will still need to continue dosing these elements when adding Coral A / B / E / V as these supplements do not replenish calcium alk or magnesium.

In terms of vinegar that is a carbon source. Aquaforest makes NP Pro which would replace your vinegar and they also make pro bio F which is another carbon source. Either on of these products would replace your vinegar and biopellets, however, you would also need to supplement a bacteria Pro Bio S.

Aquaforests does make Component 1+ 2+ 3+ which is a calcium/alkalinity/magnesium and mineral salt system with the added Trace elements and heavy metals. Or you could make your own and add the trace elements (component strong) and mineral salt. This is what I do as the 5liter pre made jugs would be to costly in my system. Really depends on your system demand.

I currently running the full aquaforest system and have been extremelyhappy with it.

Good to know. Thanks for your information.

[htfn]

Placed order. Exciting.

[Jordon]

Just wondering if anyone else is having similar experiences, but I use the following:

Probiotic Salt
Components 1+, 2+, 3+
AF A, E, B (but have recently stopped dosing these as I have had brown algae issues)
Pro Bio F (again stopped dosing *see below for details)

Anyways I recently stopped dosing the A, E and B as I was having some brown algae issues, and looking to have this clear up a bit before continuing.

*The main thing though is the fact that i have been running this program since June and only dosed Pro Bio F for the first 2 weeks and noticed my Nitrates being unreadable (actually 0 - OR under 1) so decided it was working all too well to reduce Nitrate. For the record I always had below 5 nitrates usually, and a low bio load, but I can't for the life of me get them to increase!

Are the probiotics in the salt enough for me? I figure if i increase my livestock (fish) I may need to dose Pro Bio F, but I have since nearly doubled my feedings and nitrate still hasn't budged.

I'm not complaining per-se, but it is definitely keeping my SPS from colouring up, as they are a bit pale.

[Potatohead]

If you don't need it, don't dose it. I would stop dosing and feed more and see if you can get your nitrates to the 2 - 3 range, you may need more fish to do it.

[Jordon]

I have a 20g with 2 clownfish right now. I have a Royal Gramma in QT right now that will be added at the end of the month after meds.

Hopefully that helps. I feed 2x cubes per week as well as Reef Roids and Pellets about 3x/day for my hungry clowns.

Must just be my small tank and low bioload. I would feed more, but I don't see any extra food being eaten. My clowns and LPS barely eat everything I give them already (I like fat fish okay!) :p

[brisco]

Is there any advantage of using the AF probiotic salt if I don't use any other AF product and don't carbon dose? Perhaps just use their reef salt?

[Potatohead]

Is there any advantage of using the AF probiotic salt if I don't use any other AF product and don't carbon dose? Perhaps just use their reef salt?

Just use regular. The probiotic is designed to be used with ProBioS and NP Pro which is their version of No3PO4X. They also don't include as many trace elements in the probiotic because it's assumed you'll be dosing their stuff with it.

[Myka]

They also don't include as many trace elements in the probiotic because it's assumed you'll be dosing their stuff with it.

Where did you get this information? I haven't heard this before. The AF lineup can be used with either the Probiotic Salt or the Reef Salt. They recommend the Probiotic Salt for SPS reef to help maintain ULNS, and Reef Salt for LPS reefs or other tanks where there are more nutrients than in ULNS.

Probiotic Reef Salt contains Probiotic Bacteria, Culture medium for them, Amino Acids and vitamins for Corals.

[Potatohead]

Where did you get this information? I haven't heard this before. The AF lineup can be used with either the Probiotic Salt or the Reef Salt. They recommend the Probiotic Salt for SPS reef to help maintain ULNS, and Reef Salt for LPS reefs or other tanks where there are more nutrients than in ULNS.

On the Facebook page.

We're saying the same thing two different ways basically, since PBS and NP Pro are basically carbon dosing to get ULNS... Although if you look at the AF product guide you can certainly use regular Reef Salt with SPS, I do myself. To me it sounds like you're confusing trace elements with nutrients which are not the same thing.

[Myka]

On the Facebook page.

We're saying the same thing two different ways basically, since PBS and NP Pro are basically carbon dosing to get ULNS... Although if you look at the AF product guide you can certainly use regular Reef Salt with SPS, I do myself. To me it sounds like you're confusing trace elements with nutrients which are not the same thing.

No we're not. You're saying that there are less trace elements in the Probiotic Salt than in the Reef Salt. I've never heard them say that anywhere, so I'm curious where you read this because I would like to look into it. I don't think it's true though. Facebook is terrible to try to find historical posts though...

[Potatohead]

It was discussed about a week ago on the FB group, I'll see if I can find it.

[Potatohead]

Sorry Mindy I just scanned through for about 20 minutes, I can't find it. Now you're making me second guess the whole thing (lol). I would say if you are getting good results and are happy with your tank I wouldn't change a thing.

I do think one thing is clear - AF needs to publish better information and guidelines regarding their products.

[brisco]

reliable information is the key. I have a 100 gal mixed reef. The SPS component consists of smaller acros, various monti's, and birds nests but I am looking to grow this part of the reef. I have numerous LPS as well and then for softies I have some toadstools, colt/Kenya, and Zoas. I am trying to keep everything happy. Currently use IO reef salt, but I am considering switching to Aquaforest. I dose Ca, Alk and Mg automatically. Then trace elements, acro power, and MB7 by hand somewhat sporadically. I also run a protein skimmer, RowaPhos, Hydroton, and NitraGuard. Heavy bioload system. So which salt is best for me? I am trying to run ULNS. I am away a lot, so can't do a zeo tank or anything that needs daily attention, it needs to run itself for upto 4 days. Any thoughts?

[dcw1sfu]

reliable information is the key. I have a 100 gal mixed reef. The SPS component consists of smaller acros, various monti's, and birds nests but I am looking to grow this part of the reef. I have numerous LPS as well and then for softies I have some toadstools, colt/Kenya, and Zoas. I am trying to keep everything happy. Currently use IO reef salt, but I am considering switching to Aquaforest. I dose Ca, Alk and Mg automatically. Then trace elements, acro power, and MB7 by hand somewhat sporadically. I also run a protein skimmer, RowaPhos, Hydroton, and NitraGuard. Heavy bioload system. So which salt is best for me? I am trying to run ULNS. I am away a lot, so can't do a zeo tank or anything that needs daily attention, it needs to run itself for upto 4 days. Any thoughts?

I personally prefer the probiotic over the reef, however, I'm running full aquaforest. You could use either, however, probiotic has the benefit of the added beneficial bacteria. In order to support this bacteria you would want to carbon dose which aquaforest has supplements for. If you choose to carbon dose, in your case you would want to go for the diluted version of NP Pro and have this on a doser. You could probably get away with dosong yhe bacteria supplement less ofte as long as the carbon is dosed to support it. The problem with ULNS however is they often require daily supplements in order to support the corals in a ULNS environment. The key I've found with the aquaforest system is to watch your tank and and and adjust doses by visual signs.

One of the aquaforest products I have found most beneficial is their component 1+2+3 (I make my own though with component strong and dry mix as it'stands way cheaper). The added benefits of these trace elements have really helped in growth and color and I think many others can attest to this.

Either way you go in the end, reef salt or probiotic, is fine. Aquaforest is one of those systems you can go all in or pick and choose the products based on what you are looking to achieve.

Don't know if this really answered your question

What's your current measurements for phosphate and nitrate in your system?

[Wheelman76]

I personally prefer the probiotic over the reef, however, I'm running full aquaforest. You could use either, however, probiotic has the benefit of the added beneficial bacteria. In order to support this bacteria you would want to carbon dose which aquaforest has supplements for. If you choose to carbon dose, in your case you would want to go for the diluted version of NP Pro and have this on a doser. You could probably get away with dosong yhe bacteria supplement less ofte as long as the carbon is dosed to support it. The problem with ULNS however is they often require daily supplements in order to support the corals in a ULNS environment. The key I've found with the aquaforest system is to watch your tank and and and adjust doses by visual signs.



One of the aquaforest products I have found most beneficial is their component 1+2+3 (I make my own though with component strong and dry mix as it'stands way cheaper). The added benefits of these trace elements have really helped in growth and color and I think many others can attest to this.



Either way you go in the end, reef salt or probiotic, is fine. Aquaforest is one of those systems you can go all in or pick and choose the products based on what you are looking to achieve.



Don't know if this really answered your question



What's your current measurements for phosphate and nitrate in your system?



Well said , fully agree

[dcw1sfu]

haha typed that on the phone... don't know why it repeated the word "and" 3 times in a row.

[brisco]

My phosphate is showing zero on the Hanna and my nitrates are 0.05 Salifert.

The reason I am thinking of switching salts is, I don't like some of the high alk that I get form IO and I have been battling cyano and now dino's. So I was hoping that maybe probiotic would be the way to go (would this even help?). I dose c-balance as two part and my own Mag mix...which is what Aquaforest 1+2+3 is, I think..but I am not adverse to switching. My doser is only 3 heads so didn't really want to add something else.

I was all set to try biopellets, but after some research, they sounded a little tricky for me. Maybe I should find a way to add a fuge? Little tricky in my set up but there might be a way.

I recently added 2 gals of hydroton into the sump to increase the biofilter and started to use Nitroguard as well to reduce Nitrates.

I love to have a full tank of corals and fish...but right now Dinoflagellets are killing me!

[dcw1sfu]

Either salt is fine then as they both have close to natural sea water levels in terms of alkalinity. You are already low nutrient so not really necessary to change what you are doing otherwise, unless you are like me and always like to fiddle and change things. For carbon dosing methods, i've done zeo, vodka, vinegar, biopellets, all in one biopellets and now aquaforest which I am happiest with.

In terms of Dino's that's a whole different story and I've never had them so I cant really offer much advice. Although I do know people that have had success with a lights out period and hydrogen peroxide dosing (don't know if its the safest method). I'm not sure but the beneficial bacteria from the aquaforest probiotic salt might help to out compete the dino, but probably no where near enough to do so on its own. Again this is something you might want to research specifically.

But for lowering alk you could use either salt as both are roughly the same parameters.

[Galizio]

My phosphate is showing zero on the Hanna and my nitrates are 0.05 Salifert.



The reason I am thinking of switching salts is, I don't like some of the high alk that I get form IO and I have been battling cyano and now dino's. So I was hoping that maybe probiotic would be the way to go (would this even help?). I dose c-balance as two part and my own Mag mix...which is what Aquaforest 1+2+3 is, I think..but I am not adverse to switching. My doser is only 3 heads so didn't really want to add something else.



I was all set to try biopellets, but after some research, they sounded a little tricky for me. Maybe I should find a way to add a fuge? Little tricky in my set up but there might be a way.



I recently added 2 gals of hydroton into the sump to increase the biofilter and started to use Nitroguard as well to reduce Nitrates.



I love to have a full tank of corals and fish...but right now Dinoflagellets are killing me!



I don't know if running a fuge helps, your phos and nitrate are almost zero and also you running rowa phos, the algae in the fuge will just die....
There are a few different salt you can look into it with lower alk, or just can spend $15 dollar a Canadian tires on 1 gallon of muriatic acid....
Probiotic salt can get expensive.
Do you use Ro/di water?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Potatohead]

I tend to agree, I don't see the point of adding a fuge or biopellets if you already have nutrients that low.

[Galizio]

I don't know if running a fuge helps, your phos and nitrate are almost zero and also you running rowa phos, the algae in the fuge will just die....
There are a few different salt you can look into it with lower alk, or just can spend $15 dollar a Canadian tires on 1 gallon of muriatic acid....
Probiotic salt can get expensive.
Do you use Ro/di water?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



I do not want to bash aquaforest salt, have no experience with it and I bet is a good product that I'll like to try someday, but at the moment want to finish my other supplies first.
Just wanted to say that switching just to a probiotic salt may do not fix your problem with algae


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wheelman76]

My phosphate is showing zero on the Hanna and my nitrates are 0.05 Salifert.



The reason I am thinking of switching salts is, I don't like some of the high alk that I get form IO and I have been battling cyano and now dino's. So I was hoping that maybe probiotic would be the way to go (would this even help?). I dose c-balance as two part and my own Mag mix...which is what Aquaforest 1+2+3 is, I think..but I am not adverse to switching. My doser is only 3 heads so didn't really want to add something else.



I was all set to try biopellets, but after some research, they sounded a little tricky for me. Maybe I should find a way to add a fuge? Little tricky in my set up but there might be a way.



I recently added 2 gals of hydroton into the sump to increase the biofilter and started to use Nitroguard as well to reduce Nitrates.



I love to have a full tank of corals and fish...but right now Dinoflagellets are killing me!



Not that I matters because 0.05 or 0.5 nitrates are fine , but the Salifert test doesn't measure low range down to 0.05 as you stated.

The Aquaforest component 123 is similar to C balance in that the mag is added to the Calcium part , the main difference is with the addition of the mineral salts. So you're dosing 3 containers of equal amounts , similar to balling system , so your 3 head doser will work great.

I agree with everyone else that if your no3 and po4 are that low already then there's no reason to try biopellets or even a fuge unless you really want to increase your bioload with more fish etc.

[dcw1sfu]

In terms of your cyano, I have used chemi clean in the past with excellent results as I once had a cyano outbreak. If you use something like this though make sure you do it properly and don't skip any steps.

[brisco]

my mistake 0.5 Nitrates is the correct number. Prior to using Nitroguard Phosphate and Nitrate were higher....which is why I started on it, I also wanted to increase the bioload.

I battled cyano with lights out, lots of water changes, filter socks daily etc. It came back so just nuked it with Chemiclean 2 days ago. Everything is looking good in the tank now, except the skimmer is still in overdrive...but I hear that takes a while sometimes. I still have the dinos thought. I can stir up my sand and vac it so it is nice and white and in 10 minutes (not exaggerating) you can see it starting to turn brown. I am considering Hydrogen Peroxide now.

[brisco]

Doesn't sound like probiotic salt is a magic solution for my problems.

[Jordon]

my mistake 0.5 Nitrates is the correct number. Prior to using Nitroguard Phosphate and Nitrate were higher....which is why I started on it, I also wanted to increase the bioload.

I battled cyano with lights out, lots of water changes, filter socks daily etc. It came back so just nuked it with Chemiclean 2 days ago. Everything is looking good in the tank now, except the skimmer is still in overdrive...but I hear that takes a while sometimes. I still have the dinos thought. I can stir up my sand and vac it so it is nice and white and in 10 minutes (not exaggerating) you can see it starting to turn brown. I am considering Hydrogen Peroxide now.

I have dinos too. I was in denial before thinking it was some crazy diatoms that just wouldn't go away, but the moment I seen the slimy bubbles I knew :(

I'm debating to just remove my sand bed, as that is the only thing it is affecting. My rocks are perfectly 'clean'

[ramasule]

Hi,
Which vendor sells the aquaforest lineup?

Im in edmonton if anyone sells it local, I didnt see one on their website though.

Also, how many dosing pump heads will I need? I know I need 3 for the 1,2,3 can I Mix the other stuff like probiotics into one container? Im out of town all week and can not dose 1 drop every other day unless I can dose it.

[WarDog]

Hi,
Which vendor sells the aquaforest lineup?

Until they get a [better] Canadian distributor, you can only find them on Amazon Canada.

[dcw1sfu]

Aquarium Depot Canada

[WarDog]

I stand corrected. Perhaps their Canadian distributer isn't as useless as was reported. Thanks Derek.

[Myka]

Aquarium Depot Canada

News to me too. They don't list the Aquaforest salt mixes though. I've never ordered from Aquarium Depot, have you guys dealt with them before?

[ramasule]

No salt or components 123 everything else though.

[dcw1sfu]

News to me too. They don't list the Aquaforest salt mixes though. I've never ordered from Aquarium Depot, have you guys dealt with them before?

Never dealt with them. But they carry NP Pro 50ml for $35 where amazon does not.

Amazon is probably the best option for everything, but they are possibly an alternative to those products not listed or out of stock on amazon

[ramasule]

Mindy, do you know how many extra pump heads I would need to dose the probiotics? Can I mix them then dose? The guide didnt say much.

[WarDog]

The Reef Salt happens to be at an AMAZING price on Amazon right now. $36.89 + $9.99 shipping... but hurry, only 1 left!

[Myka]

Never dealt with them. But they carry NP Pro 50ml for $35 where amazon does not.

Amazon is probably the best option for everything, but they are possibly an alternative to those products not listed or out of stock on amazon

True, but AP doesn't have the Component 123 either though, so they're kinda useless to me. It's good to see someone is trying though. :) I only use Pro BioS, Component 123, and probiotic salt these days.

[Potatohead]

The Reef Salt happens to be at an AMAZING price on Amazon right now. $36.89 + $9.99 shipping... but hurry, only 1 left!

Now the 22kg bucket is not listed at all on there... Weird.

[Myka]

Mindy, do you know how many extra pump heads I would need to dose the probiotics? Can I mix them then dose? The guide didnt say much.

You can put NP Pro (bacteria food) on a doser - they have a special 1L formulation for that. The ProBioS (bacteria) needs to be refrigerated though, like other bacteria products. I refrigerate the Coral E too though because it smells like fish oil, so I assume it could go bad. The instructions don't say you have to refrigerate though...

The Coral A, B, V, and E all need to be shaken, so you'd need a magnetic stirrer to put them on dosers (they're pricey).

So I guess if you wanted to put Component 123 and NP Pro on a doser you'd need 4 dosing pumps. If you want all the she-bang you'd need 4 regular dosing pumps, and 4 magnetic stirred dosing pumps.

I find if I use Component 123 in even amounts (which you have to because you can't buy them separately), then Ca, Mg, and K all get high, so what I've done is hooked up a 4th dosing pump to dose "pure" Sodium carbonate. So I dose Component 123 to keep Ca, Mg, and K at the right levels, and then a bit of extra carb (only 8 mL per day) to keep alkalinity around 6.8-7.2 dKH.

[ramasule]

Thanks, I wonder if I can mix all the coral foods though into one and stir it.

[Myka]

Thanks, I wonder if I can mix all the coral foods though into one and stir it.

I don't know. Ask on the Aquaforest Facebook page.

[brisco]

Sounds like you can't win! Switch to AF salt because the other Salts mix up with high Alk. Then dose comp 123 and end up with high parameters again and have to add another doser to bring back in range? AHHHHH

[Myka]

Sounds like you can't win! Switch to AF salt because the other Salts mix up with high Alk. Then dose comp 123 and end up with high parameters again and have to add another doser to bring back in range? AHHHHH

If they sold the Components separately like everyone else, then that would solve the problem. :lol:

There is a fix!!! You can buy their Ca, alk, Mg powders separately and add in the Components Strong and you can mix your own like is typical with other balling methods in which case you can adjust how you want.

[Potatohead]

Ugh

Just received my new solid brick of salt from Amazon :crazyeye:. I guess we'll try again and hope for the best...

[Myka]

Bummer! I've not had this trouble before...

[Myka]

Has anyone tested alkalinity of freshly mix Aquaforest Reef Salt (non-probiotic)? How about Aquaforest Sea Salt?

[gmann]

salifert showed KH @ 8 for reefsalt

hopefully amazon gets more stock soon....

[gmann]

im concerned. Usually when amazon is out of stock, they still have the item up with notice saying more coming soon. Now reef salt is gone altogether, i dont wanna go back to IO :cry:

[Myka]

Yeah I noticed that too.

[xlzerolx]

Lame! I'm running low on the reef salt too. I don't want to pay that price for the probiotic version. Plus I don't think the probiotics are necessary....

[Potatohead]

The 22kg bucket of reef salt was gone from Amazon a few weeks ago but came back... I wouldn't worry too much.

[warriorcookie]

Bayside Corals has Aquaforest now! YES!


Mindy, did you ever get an answer on your question about doing large waterchanges (75%+) with the Probiotic Reef Salt? Have you tried it?

Also, how does Aquaforest Component 1,2,3 deal with excess/buildup of Chloride?

[Myka]

Mindy, did you ever get an answer on your question about doing large waterchanges (75%+) with the Probiotic Reef Salt? Have you tried it?

Also, how does Aquaforest Component 1,2,3 deal with excess/buildup of Chloride?

Yeah, Aquaforest does not recommend doing large water changes using the Probiotic salt. I've done 30% water changes with it, and I didn't get any bacteria bloom or anything. I'm not sure I wold try bigger than that.

The third component is chloride free mineral salt. :)

[warriorcookie]

So maybe I'm better using the reef salt and dosing probiotics seperate?

[Myka]

So maybe I'm better using the reef salt and dosing probiotics seperate?

You need to do big water changes? The probiotic salt has different species of bacteria than what you can buy in bottles.

[dcw1sfu]

Yeah, Aquaforest does not recommend doing large water changes using the Probiotic salt. I've done 30% water changes with it, and I didn't get any bacteria bloom or anything. I'm not sure I wold try bigger than that.

The third component is chloride free mineral salt. :)

I've done a 50% water changes with the probiotic reef salt and no bacteria bloom. I think you have less chance of a bacteria bloom with a mature system.

[Myka]

I've done a 50% water changes with the probiotic reef salt and no bacteria bloom. I think you have less chance of a bacteria bloom with a mature system.
That's probably true.

[warriorcookie]

You need to do big water changes? The probiotic salt has different species of bacteria than what you can buy in bottles.

I usually do 15% water changes every 2 weeks, but would like to add to the routine 1 massive water change once a year. I've seen anywhere from 70% to 95% recommended.

[Myka]

I usually do 15% water changes every 2 weeks, but would like to add to the routine 1 massive water change once a year. I've seen anywhere from 70% to 95% recommended.

Yeah, I've done 75% water changes 3-4 times per year for as long as I can remember, but I haven't done any since starting AF.

[kaboom]

Amazon.ca hasn't offered Reef salt for a few weeks, is this the end of it?:cry:

Anyone know what the parameters are for Sea Salt? Might have to go with this option if Reef salt doesn't come back soon.

[gmann]

The distributor that was sellin to amazon lost the rights. New distributor is now gonna be selling through store fronts. So yes pick up what you can from amazon if you want the sea or probiotic salt

[kaboom]

That is bad news. I see them going for $89/bucket and that doesn't include shipping yet.

[warriorcookie]

Yeah, I've done 75% water changes 3-4 times per year for as long as I can remember, but I haven't done any since starting AF.

Well, what are you waiting for??? Let me know how it goes! :twised:

[Potatohead]

Amazon.ca hasn't offered Reef salt for a few weeks, is this the end of it?:cry:

Anyone know what the parameters are for Sea Salt? Might have to go with this option if Reef salt doesn't come back soon.

It's similar but the alk is slightly higher (yep) and I think the potassium and calcium are slightly lower. The specs are on AF's site.

[Myka]

Well, what are you waiting for??? Let me know how it goes! :twised:

Let's try your tank first. ;)

[gmann]

just curious to see how many of you will be staying/ switching brands with the new aquaforest pricing?

I myself will probably be staying, although given the price point I will also probably try another brands in that price range (salinity & H2Ocean) to see if there is any difference.

[intarsiabox]

just curious to see how many of you will be staying/ switching brands with the new aquaforest pricing?

I myself will probably be staying, although given the price point I will also probably try another brands in that price range (salinity & H2Ocean) to see if there is any difference.

I only bought the AF reef salt because it was cheaper than what regular IO salt usually goes for around here. I haven't noticed any difference in my tank than from using any other salt I've used over the years so depending on what I can find on sale locally compared to what I can get AF for I may use something else. I'm not interested in the probiotic salt for the price since there's lots of cheaper options to add various strains of probiotic bacteria to the tank.

[Potatohead]

Aquaforest entered the market here way too cheap, there's no way they should be priced in the bottom half of salts, let alone one of the very cheapest (obviously not including probiotic). I do like the salt but one of the reasons I use it is simply convenience of it being available on Amazon. I have already switched away from some of their products, for example Rowa is far better than Phosphate Minus... I guess this is a long winded way of saying I will switch to other products without much concern if I have to.

[Willito]

Does anyone know if the huge shipment of AF product has arrived in Canada yet? Been told by a few LFS to expect it in Nov.

[rockworm]

Does anyone know if the huge shipment of AF product has arrived in Canada yet? Been told by a few LFS to expect it in Nov.

I was able to get the coral additives, Np Pro and Pro Bio S at my lfs this past weekend. My understanding is that the small items can be sent by air, while the salt (possibly other larger items) have to be sent by sea. My lfs expects the salt in the next week or two. So it seems the North American or Canadian distributor has some stuff in stock now.

[warriorcookie]

From what I understand alot of it is in Canada now en route to the LFS'.

Some of the additives arrives at Bayside Corals 3 or 4 weeks ago. Salt they're hoping to see this week along with more additives.

[intarsiabox]

It looks like Aquarium Depot in Canada has everything but the probiotic salt in stock. So some LFS are getting the items.

[Myka]

It looks like Aquarium Depot in Canada has everything but the probiotic salt in stock. So some LFS are getting the items.

It's not in stock. Add it to your cart, and it says it's backordered. They don't have it yet.

[intarsiabox]

It's not in stock. Add it to your cart, and it says it's backordered. They don't have it yet.

I put a bunch of different AF items in my cart and none of them say that they are back ordered. Everything I looked at says "In stock".

[Myka]

I put a bunch of different AF items in my cart and none of them say that they are back ordered. Everything I looked at says "In stock".
Weird, none of the items I tried worked. :lol:

[intarsiabox]

I didn't look at everything, just the stuff I may need to replenish in the next while. We're probably just looking at different items. I hope a local vendor starts carrying some of this stuff. I've been having pretty good success so far and have had to start feeding more just to get some algae to grow for my rock as my Coral Beauty seems to reject anything else I feed it.

[Skimmer Juice]

Just picked up some pro bio f and pro bio s , Im trying to reduce phosphates. Any other recommendations of any other products to try from aqua forest ? Keeping lps/softies/nems/a few sticks . Really only finding it hard to get my phosphates down , have been blowing my rocks a couple times a day and doing a 5 gallon water change (h2ocean) every other day to remove debris . Just never ends I do feed alot because of my pipes the tank is 60g . So figured I would give these products a go.

[Galizio]

Just picked up some pro bio f and pro bio s , Im trying to reduce phosphates. Any other recommendations of any other products to try from aqua forest ? Keeping lps/softies/nems/a few sticks . Really only finding it hard to get my phosphates down , have been blowing my rocks a couple times a day and doing a 5 gallon water change (h2ocean) every other day to remove debris . Just never ends I do feed alot because of my pipes the tank is 60g . So figured I would give these products a go.



You need np- pro with those 2, as the 2 you got are bacteria and the np/pro is the liquid polymer to promote bacteria to grow. You don't really need the pro bio f.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[warriorcookie]

Just picked up some pro bio f and pro bio s , Im trying to reduce phosphates. Any other recommendations of any other products to try from aqua forest ? Keeping lps/softies/nems/a few sticks . Really only finding it hard to get my phosphates down , have been blowing my rocks a couple times a day and doing a 5 gallon water change (h2ocean) every other day to remove debris . Just never ends I do feed alot because of my pipes the tank is 60g . So figured I would give these products a go.

Pro Bio F is for seeding a new system
Pro Bio S is for daily dosing an established system.
NP Pro is the Carbon for feeding the bacteria.

What are your Nitrates and Phosphates reading now? Remember, bacteria need Nitrates, Phosphates and Carbon to grow. If your nitrates bottom out the bacteria won't consume Phosphates until there's more nitrates.

[Skimmer Juice]

great so the pro bio f is no good then I should have checked on here first . Will go back for the np pro tomorrow. My nitrates are close to none at all I might try a new test kit and I cant find my phosphate kit so I will replace that too. Im just assuming its phosphates due to algae growth . It actually started from a tank teardown I helped a guy out stored a couple corals in my tank for a few days and now I cant get rid of the stuff . I will report back tomorrow with test results

[wayner]

Where are you getting the Aquaforest products in Calgary?

[Skimmer Juice]

Where are you getting the Aquaforest products in Calgary?

wais has a bunch of stuff just no salt yet

[wayner]

Thanks!

[Myka]

The remaining products should be in stores next week including the salt.

Also, correction...

BioS is for seeding new tanks - nitrifying bacteria.

ProBioS is probiotic bacteria (hence the "pro").

ProBioF I don't know much about...my understanding is that it is more types of probiotic bacteria in a powder form. Some probiotic bacteria are more stable as powder, some as liquid. I don't really see people using this one often.

[Ryanerickson]

The pro bio f is for small tanks
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab208/ryan_erickson/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_20161202-091845_zpsiih16ibh.png

[Myka]

Aquaforest said this on RC too:

Pro Bio F contains another Probiotic Bacteria than in Pro Bio S that's why You Can use Pro Bio S with Pro Bio F.

Regards,
Aquaforest

So essentially you can use one or the other, or both. Maybe the ProBioF is a good option for sumpless tanks? I wonder if it is ok for skimmerless too?

[Ryanerickson]

So essentially you can use one or the other, or both. Maybe the ProBioF is a good option for sumpless tanks? I wonder if it is ok for skimmerless too?

Bio f is the carbon source and bacteria it's like a all in one for small tanks but you would always need a skimmer for this method.

[Skimmer Juice]

So I should use just the Probio S and the np pro and thats it for phosphate reduction ? And dont use the bro bio f ? Or should I use all 3 ? My tank is 60g is that considered a small tank ?

[Potatohead]

FWIW, I used ProBioF for about four months, I didn't see much change in nitrate. I switched to NoPox and it started working within days. I still have like 80% of PBF if someone wants it at next meet or whatever.

[warriorcookie]

Ahhhh, i got them mixed up.

I just started using np pro and pro bio s. Too soon to tell.

[Skimmer Juice]

ok got a new test kit
P04 0.50
nitrates 10ppm

So now that I have the numbers what is the recommended route ? Already doing 5g water change every 1-2 days just to remove detritus and stuff I blow off the rocks .
tank specs :
lighting 2 x 39w t5 bulbs (blue + and a actinic +) x 3 kessil a360we
36x24x14h bare bottom
mag 12 pump
2x jebao ppw-4 (set on first wave setting full power and speed)
vertex omega 150
live rocks and chateo in the sump
no carbon or gfo ,I dose the big 3 and potassium occasionally .
Got a big bioload IMO for this size tank but all small fish
2 clowns
1 clown goby
1 ruby red scooter
1 banded pipe
1 dragon face pipe
1 target Mandarin
1 sunburst anthias
2 yellow boxfish
1 yashi goby
clean up crew :
2 red scarlets
5 halloween hermits
1 bumblebee shrimp
4 bumblebee snails
10,000,000 micro brittle stars
I feed rotifers and add pods to the tank for the pod eaters as well as PE Calanus Frozen / cyclops / mysis / ns pellets / ns flake / reef frenzy nano / and reef frenzy fish eggs So I feed heavy but since Im removing alot of detritus from small frequent water changes I figure my feeding is fine , but the detritus does not end no matter how much I remove . Most of my flow is at the top of the aquarium so I have stuff settling at the bottom . Maybe I could aim my returns at the ground but I like leaving the bottom lower flow for my harlequin shrimp to get around easier . I dont want to use any reactors or add anymore equipment so Im hoping this aquaforest method can help me . So I picked up the :
Pro-bios S
Pro-bios F
NP Pro
Should I use all 3 in combination ? Or should I just stick to running the : Pro-bios S and the NP Pro ?
All my corals are doing great as well as my fish its just the algae on the rocks thats annoying me and also getting little bubbles on my rocks and in the algae .

[Skimmer Juice]

alk 7
calcium 430
mag 1110
all test kits are nyos reefer kits

[Jordon]

Anyone know who carries Aquaforest Reef Salt? I found one on Amazon from a 3rd party seller asking exuberant amounts... They just out of stock?

I'm going skimmer less and nearing the end of my Probiotic bucket. Looking to keep parameters more in line with NSW an like AF, but want tot switch to the regular "Reef" version now.

edit: Hmmm strange. I found it looking under the Aquaforest brand, but not via Searching "Aquaforest Reef Salt". I bought a 5kg bucket for now, but would like a 10kg if anyone knows other sources, or at least a backup. :)

[Myka]

Anyone know who carries Aquaforest Reef Salt? I found one on Amazon from a 3rd party seller asking exuberant amounts... They just out of stock?

I'm going skimmer less and nearing the end of my Probiotic bucket. Looking to keep parameters more in line with NSW an like AF, but want tot switch to the regular "Reef" version now.

edit: Hmmm strange. I found it looking under the Aquaforest brand, but not via Searching "Aquaforest Reef Salt". I bought a 5kg bucket for now, but would like a 10kg if anyone knows other sources, or at least a backup. :)


Once Amazon sells stock, they will no longer be carrying Aquaforest products. All the LFS with orders in should be receiving their stock this week of salt and the rest of the product line that they ordered. Maybe someone can chime in here with which LFS in Edmonton are carrying the Aquaforest line??

[Jordon]

Once Amazon sells stock, they will no longer be carrying Aquaforest products. All the LFS with orders in should be receiving their stock this week of salt and the rest of the product line that they ordered. Maybe someone can chime in here with which LFS in Edmonton are carrying the Aquaforest line??

Bummer about Amazon not carrying it any longer. Don't get me wrong, I like to support my LFS, but also like to make use of my Prime membership and delivery to my workplace :wink:

If anyone knows of any Edmonton LFS's that will be stocking this, that would be very helpful!

[Ryanerickson]

Does aquaforest use horse and carriage to deliver there salt to stores In canada ? It's been about 6 week now gotta be soon

[warriorcookie]

Bayside corals just recieved theirs today.

They were waiting on the overseas shipment thats why it took soooo long. It's a brand spanking new supplier now.

[Ryanerickson]

Bayside corals just recieved theirs today.

They were waiting on the overseas shipment thats why it took soooo long. It's a brand spanking new supplier now.

Nice hope we get ours in bc soon thanks for update

[ramasule]

I asked Marine Aquaria to carry aquaforest line, just because they are closest to me.

[niQo]

I'm thinking of using AF products for my new build. Any updates? Everyone still happy with it?

[Skimmer Juice]

I'm thinking of using AF products for my new build. Any updates? Everyone still happy with it?

Well I have been using the Pro Bio S an NP pro , I have had 2 outbreaks where white film covers a coral and ends up killing it . After the first time it happened I cut back the recommended dose by half and same thing happened killed my dendro colony . Im assuming its a bacterial infection and those 2 products are the only thing I changed along the way . So Im going to quit using it all together and just go back to using no products . Not %100 it was directly due to using the pro bio s and np pro but its not worth the risk anymore. I guess a few people have had similar issues

[Myka]

Been using Aquaforest for 13 months now. No complaints. Use it on client tanks too. It's not a magic bullet. It's a good product line at a nice price point.

[iceman86]

Aquarium illusions in Edmonton carries aquaforest products

[niQo]

Been using Aquaforest for 13 months now. No complaints. Use it on client tanks too. It's not a magic bullet. It's a good product line at a nice price point.

Good to hear. I want to find a product line that takes some of the guesswork away with additives and the like. I also like their salt is closer to NSW.

[Bblinks]

Been using aquaforest for about a 3 weeks now and the results has been positive. I only use their vitiality, amino, fluorine and build. So far so good, really liking it.