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Dosing strontium for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 10:57 am
by Riff9
Has anyone had success dosing strontium for coral growth? I've been running a 75-gallon mixed reef for about a year, and my Acropora seem to have stalled. Parameters are stable, 8.1 pH, 1.025 salinity, 0 phosphate, 5 nitrate. Lighting is two AI Hydra 32s, 10 hours a day. I've heard strontium can help, but I'm sketchy about messing with trace elements.
Re: Dosing strontium for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 12:46 pm
by DlyLunic
Strontium can be beneficial, but it's tricky. I've dosed it in my 120-gallon SPS-dominated tank for six months now. Key is to keep it around 8-10 ppm, tested weekly. Too much can mess with calcification. What's your calcium and alkalinity at? Also, what's your current magnesium level? Those three need to be in balance before adding strontium.
Re: Dosing strontium for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 12:52 pm
by sandpiper
Riff9 wrote: ↑Thu May 22, 2025 10:57 am
Has anyone had success dosing strontium for coral growth? I've been running a 75-gallon mixed reef for about a year, and my Acropora seem to have stalled. Parameters are stable, 8.1 pH, 1.025 salinity, 0 phosphate, 5 nitrate. Lighting is two AI Hydra 32s, 10 hours a day. I've heard strontium can help, but I'm sketchy about messing with trace elements.
I'd check your flow first. Strontium won't help if your corals aren't getting enough movement. What powerheads are you using? I had a similar issue until I upgraded to MP40s. Also, how often are you doing water changes?
Re: Dosing strontium for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 2:50 pm
by reelwise
I've seen mixed results with strontium. My Montipora responded well, but the Zoanthids didn't care. Are you dosing anything else right now? I'd start with a half dose and monitor closely. What salt mix are you using? Some already contain trace strontium, so you might not need much.
Re: Dosing strontium for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 4:39 pm
by duskrise
Before jumping into strontium, have you ruled out other factors? How old are your bulbs? I've had corals stall just from old lighting. Also, what's your feeding routine? Sometimes a lack of amino acids or vitamins can slow growth more than trace elements.
Re: Dosing strontium for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 6:08 pm
by Riff9
Thanks for the input, everyone. My calcium is at 420, alk at 8.5 dKH, and magnesium at 1350. I'm using Red Sea Coral Pro salt, weekly 10% changes. Flow is two Nero 5s at 70%. I'll test for strontium next time and maybe start slow.
Re: Dosing strontium for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 6:35 pm
by bronzecod
Nope, wouldn't touch strontium. Messed up my tank bad last year. Lost three Acros. Stick to the basics, man.
Re: Dosing strontium for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 7:47 pm
by drumbeat
bronzecod wrote: ↑Thu May 22, 2025 6:35 pm
Nope, wouldn't touch strontium. Messed up my tank bad last year. Lost three Acros. Stick to the basics, man.
Sounds like you overdosed, mate. Gotta be precise with this stuff. I've been using a doser for strontium, and it's been smooth sailing. What brand were you using? Some are way more concentrated than others.
Re: Dosing strontium for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 8:18 pm
by florid
I'm new to this, but my LFS guy swears by strontium. He's got a tank full of crazy growth. Gonna try it in my 40-gallon breeder. Any recommendations for a beginner-friendly product?
Re: Dosing strontium for coral growth
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 8:38 pm
by DlyLunic
florid wrote: ↑Thu May 22, 2025 8:18 pm
I'm new to this, but my LFS guy swears by strontium. He's got a tank full of crazy growth. Gonna try it in my 40-gallon breeder. Any recommendations for a beginner-friendly product?
Start with Brightwell Aquatics Strontion. It's diluted enough to avoid big swings. Test before and after dosing, and keep a log. Also, what's your tank's current nutrient load? Strontium works best in low-nutrient systems.