Kent PhytoPlex and balance blocks

[Whiskey]

I just went to the lfs and got some Kent Marine PhytoPlex (which is supposed to be good to feed my corals) I am told I simply add this stuff to my tank water at the rate of 1 tsp 3 times per week and my corals and feather dusters will eat it. Is this the way to go, or am I just adding nitrates to the tank? Do my polyps, Frog Spawn, and feather dusters really need/eat this stuff? Should I shut off the protein skimmer while using it?

I also picked up some HBH balance blocks, they claim to add calcium, chelated minerals, and 71 trace elements to my tank, while maintaining a 8.2 PH. You just throw 2 of these blocks in a 50G tank and when they dissolve you add more. Has anyone ever tried such a thing? If this works it would be the "miracle drug" of the reef tank world is it too good to be true?

Thanks,
Whiskey

[MikeS]

I just went to the lfs and got some Kent Marine PhytoPlex (which is supposed to be good to feed my corals) I am told I simply add this stuff to my tank water at the rate of 1 tsp 3 times per week and my corals and feather dusters will eat it. Is this the way to go, or am I just adding nitrates to the tank? Do my polyps, Frog Spawn, and feather dusters really need/eat this stuff? Should I shut off the protein skimmer while using it?

Any filter feeding coral/invert in the tank may benefit from it. Work slowly into it, small doses at first, keeping an eye on your nutrient levels...

I also picked up some HBH balance blocks, they claim to add calcium, chelated minerals, and 71 trace elements to my tank, while maintaining a 8.2 PH. You just throw 2 of these blocks in a 50G tank and when they dissolve you add more. Has anyone ever tried such a thing? If this works it would be the "miracle drug" of the reef tank world is it too good to be true?

Thanks,
Whiskey

Sounds like the old SeaLab 28 blocks... :-D

I'm not a big fan of all-in-one magic potions like that....you have no way of controlling the release of the product into the water, and you can't test for quite a few of the traces it will release into your tank. I'd stick to a good water change routine to replenish trace elements....


Mike

[Condiman]

I agree water changes are best for everything. I have saved alot of money by doing weekly water changes by not buying any supplements.