Additives aren't cures. Just aids

[Aydee]

So, one thing that happens a lot is people asking "I have 'x', what do I add to fix?"

There are lots of chemicals out there. All sorts of 'cure alls' and potions. But what actually works?

Often the answer is simple, removing the source, or replacing what's depleted.

You can add chemicals to clear up cyano, but that does not address the underlying cause. If you add the chemicals, what happens when the chemical is out of the water/depleted? Cyano comes back. Instead we need to address the underlying issue.

RTAW (The MASA forums) has a useful resource.
http://masa.asn.au/masawiki/

In this you will get many answers.

But does that mean you should never use chemicals?

Not necessarily.
For example, Ammolock could save fishes lives whilst you sort out the source.
Perhaps you need a kickstart to beat an algae problem.

However, the important thing here is that chemicals should only be used as an aid, and never a cure.

In reefkeeping there are numerous parameters to maintain.
To name a few:
ph
Alkalinity
Salinity (gravity/SG)
Temperature
Phosphates
Nitrates
Nitrites
Ammonia
Magnesium
Calcium

With these, almost all can be controlled by nothing more than water changes, and appropriate equipment (eg. skimmers, reactors). To maintain we often don't need to add magic potions.

Should any of those chemicals start or be out of whack, then quite often it implies a situation in your tank that needs to be addressed. TO ignore this is to ignore the underlying problem.

Now what does this all mean?
When you come to MASA and ask why any of your parameters are wrong, or why your fish/coral aren't looking healthy, then many MASA members will start asking questions. This is not a criticism. This is an attempt to find the underlying cause and help you find the root cause. And don't be surprised if the answer is "Do more water changes".

Water changes are not just removing bad things (Nitrates/phosphates) but replenishing depleted things (Calcium/magnesium). Again those listed are just examples. There is much more, but that starts to enter the area where people may want to look in the "Advanced Discussion" section of this site.

--------------
TL;DR version:
Chemicals = not necessarily bad, but possibly masking actual cause. We want to help you find the cause.

Dave

[some_one]

Well done, Nice write up

[ssbk23]

Well said
Too many people look for quick fixes instead of getting back to basics and being patient.

[pafc64]

Worthy of a Sticky for a while I thinks.

[Tone]

Well done Aydee

[chromus]

Top contribution

[lorby]

Awesome post

[jtubb]

Good tips. Cheers

[clairebear]

A good reminder for those of us new to the hobby (me). Thanks!

[Marine colors]

Well said
Too many people look for quick fixes instead of getting back to basics and being patient.

While my tank was my ex's baby, dogs are mine and as a trainer and behaviourist it drives me nuts that everyone just wants a quick fix and none have patience. When the dog doesn't behave, you only have the owner to blame