Berlin Method - Dosing Limewater And Trace Nutrients?

[sophos9]

Hi

I'm a beginner marine keeper although not new to fish keeping. I've got a RIO 180 coming tomorrow with 20kg live rock

After researching the Berlin method, I have seen several sites referencing usage of trace nutrients and limewater

Can anyone give me some assistance on what and where I should get these nutrients from please

Many thanks

 

[Matthew5664]

If you keep up with your water changes you should have no need for the trace nutrients.

The Limewater or Kalkwasser as it is known is a solution of Calcium Hydroxide that is added to the tank as topoff from a vessel or reactor (Kalkwasser reactor) this is used to increase the levels of Calcium (Ca) and Alkalinity (Alk) in the tank. If you've done some research your probably aware that the SPS and LPS corals use the Ca and Alk in a process called calcification to grow there skeletons. This is turn is replaced with the use of a Calcium reactor and/or Kalkwasser reactor. You will only need to be use these if you have alot of hard corals and/or clams who also use the same process to grow there shells. In a new aquarium I would hold off and just use water changes until you have prominent coral grow that would warrant the use of these additives.