Is adding trace elements during water changes necessary?

[eeks]

Hi guys,

Just wondering is the addition of trace element during weekly water changes necessary? Especially in Singapore, some of the water supply comes from reclaimed water (newater and seawater desalination), I get the impression that the water from these sources lack these trace elements as compared to more "natural" sources.

No doubt parts of the water supply come from reservoirs and Malaysia, but is our tap water sufficient to maintain a healthy aquarium? Or adding these trace elements is necessary?

Pardon my ignorance on this matter and hope to hear your experiences or views regarding this!

[milk_vanilla]

I added them in every water change, slightly higher to the recommend dosage. Trace is good for full planted tank.


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[AQMS]

Tap water alone will not provide all trace elements needed in optimal quantities for plant growth. Additional dosing will help to supplement and provide what is needed by your plants.If it is not a planted tank you dont need trace element.

[eeks]

Thanks for the inputs guys!

[felix_fx2]

Hi, i add seachem Equilibrium on large water changes only.
my trace dosage schedule is normally too close to water change dates.


http://www.seachem.com/Products/prod...uilibrium.html

[bravobb]

Just saw this thread.... i just realized i am doing something weird with my Seachem trace elements... i poured some every week to my African Cichlids tank when i change the filter wool, no water changed though.... Sometimes my AC looks 'damage' so i used this trace elements to help the sick recover.... it seems to be working for me.. hahaha... if i do use it, most of time, the sick will die and becomes food to the rest... (Maybe i WC monthly thus i do such stupid thing... haha)

[stressed]

I guess the last part of the sentence should mean "if you do not use it, most of the time, the sick will die....."?

[bravobb]

I guess the last part of the sentence should mean "if you do not use it, most of the time, the sick will die....."?

Yes and No.
I had 2-3 AC dead before i dose the Cichlid Trace Element weekly and weekly filter wool changes.
Previously, my initial thinking was since i am doing overkill on the BB filtration, maybe i can do without filter wool but i was wrong.
Plus all my tanks are on monthly WC so i thought its ok... Wrong !
AC really produces alot of waste and best is to WC weekly.
Since i cannot do WC weekly, for this AC tank which is only 3 feet, i top up water weekly, change filter wool weekly and dose the Cichlid Trace Element just to play safe. I also add Seachem PH buffering weekly.