Love your videos man. 15 years in the aquarium industry. I learn something new every single day.

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

This is such an amazing channel for someone thats new to the hobby like myself. Love your insightful tips

Very well spoken and presented Mikey! Subscribed :)

I’ve been using Life Source for about six months. I credit it with the huge turn around in my current tank. I started this tank with dry rock I was having a lot of issues with corals dying or just failing to thrive despite proper parameters and light. After reading about life source I gave it a try and the results were amazing and almost immediate. Within a week I saw corals that were dying recover, corals I couldn’t keep start to do fine. There was something missing in my tank biologically that life source helped with. Great stuff.

@carminecarlone2869

2 жыл бұрын

Where did you buy it from because I can’t get any

wow, i have learned so much from your channel, i hope you create videos again sometime soon. your tank is also just gorgeous, can't get enough of that. :)

Thanks for such a great information, makes me really want to try it out!

Great video, and really good information which I will be trying out. Thanks 👍

Added the DIY calcium carbonate formula to my reef aquarium. Let me tell you, the water is really crystal clear, my torch coral is booming, all looks great. Thank you, bro!!!

@findyourtour-xn1mj

Жыл бұрын

What is the mix for this mate

You keep banging them out of the park! Nice! I'm giving this a try ASAP as I have a bit of an algae on glass thing going on right now :-)

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

It’s ok spicy, algae on the glass is natural and you should accept it. It takes about 3 days for things to get noticeable and 1 week to get ugly. It’s nature and cannot be stopped, this will slow it down but don’t worry if you get dirty glass :)

Awesome content! Thanks for sharing!

subscribed! love your vids brotha

Hi Mike, I currently have a mixed reef like yourself and I also run a canister 😉 could you do a video on you dosing and products your using please also what are your averages on your parameters?? Where do you like them?? Cheers happy water keeping 👍

Thx for Interesting info. Wil surely try for Vermatids.

Hey ..Mike...I bought a oase 350 because I like the clean set up...I was wondering if you could do a video or tell me how you have your trays set up in your canister....thanks keep up the great and helpful videos

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I can

Mike this worked so well on my tank. The calcium carbonate keeps water clean. I use it about roughly 3 times a week!!!

This is interesting. I've learned something knew to you.

Awesome video! Any idea how these products effect macro algae?

Great video Mikey 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Another banger of a video. 👏👏👏 gonna try this myself. Keep up the awesome work Mikey! 🙌🙌🙌

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Hi mikey, thanks so much for all your videos ! I'm always a bit worried about nutrient spikes when cleaning all my glass/sand I guess the calcium bicarbonate would help with this ?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, yes it will help your filter work more efficiently after cleaning your sand and glass. :)

Hey Michael, love the videos. I’m also in Perth and was wondering where you are buying the AF life source from?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

I got mine from Aquarium Gallery

I just bought AF Life Source. After watching your video. I have Red Cyano i hope it will work for my aquarium.

Very informative. Love how you present your videos. I’ve just started cycling my first tank 2 days ago. I was wondering would it be appropriate to use the products already at this early stage and maybe bypass the ugly stage?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Use it from the start for sure! Especially life source

@nickm9922

2 жыл бұрын

Do not try to bypass the ugly stage. Just dont. You will succeed, you will fill up your tank and then 6-12months later the ugly stage hits 4x as hard, killing what you build up. Be patience, please be patience

Very nice video, is there specific time to dose diy calcium carbonate for better results ?

Sick tank bro !!

Many thanks Mikey. Loving you vids 👍especially as I’m like you canister filter 😀👍 never dosed either but ready to give it a go 340lte mixed reef 👌😃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Crazy nice reef. Greetz from Germany 🇩🇪

Hello Mikey, very good explanation of the Hevy in, heavy out, I was heard that before but it was not fully clear to me why or how, it makes sense to me your comment about doses NO3 and PO4, actually, I bought salts that you have recommended (Mono Phosphate potassium and also the Potassium Nitrite), my doubt now is how I have to dissolve it, how concentrate it will be fine, and also how often dose it, one question from my side is, Do you make water changes if yes how often and how much water do you change?

Lol, When I saw the thumbnail I thought you dose Yakult in the tank for beneficial bacteria. Great video, kinda make me want to try AF lifesource , even though some people say that doesn't give them any benefit.

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

The benefit may not be seen since it’s bacteria and mud, but I know it is for balance and bacteria health. The same way we drink Yakult for our gut :)

@ducklady1993

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike DoesAF lifesource help you deal with vermetid snail as well?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

@@ducklady1993 It dose not do that

Thanks. Several great pointers. I will give that life source a try

Hi Mike I've just ordered from amazon the now calcium carbonate can you tell me how often do you use it on your aquarium is it weekly , mike can I say really good content in your videos well done. Mick from UK

Wow, what a great bit of information! How do you dose your AF life source bro? Sam Parker puts a whole tub into his sump with holes drilled into it.

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

I just throw in a tea spoon of it into some tank water and pour it in

Hey Mikey, Thanks for the video, I really like it. Just a quick question, when you mentioned you mix it in 1 to 4 ratio. What is this measure? 1 tea spoon for 4 RO DI water? Thanks and hope hear back soon from you! Cya!

@MarceloWings1

2 жыл бұрын

Great video, I really enjoyed it! I had the same doubt as Eric.

Great videos and always very informative. Thank you. I already have the Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium, can this be used the same as you describe?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

No sorry that is calcium chloride and is not the same. Please do not dose that as a flocculant. It is designed to dose calcium for corals.

@bettyboo1930

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike ok great thanks

Nice piece. Thank you. Have a 8 mo old reef tank and am looking at some sps that aren’t great. Will give it a go. I am curious though- what are you running for filter media micron wise? Also, do you think UV would affect the AF life source if it’s placed in the sump?

@carminecarlone2869

2 жыл бұрын

Uv shouldn’t bother the life source but I would add it when the Uv is off just in case. Or at least turn it off for a little while. Also better off adding it to the display

Innnteresting.. May need to try this out 🤔

Great info Mike! Is that an Audemars Piguet I see?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, good eye on detail

What dilution of calcium carbonate did you use and what is the dosage of this solution that you apply? Hugs from Brazil

Thanks for this video! By the way you described Calcium Carbonate its sounded like its functions like GAC. Do you think this is the case and can be a substitute for GAC?

You can also make it using standar white chalk used for chalkboards.

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Ahh I did not know that! Is the purity of chalk high?

Coral snow aka caco3 decimated a major outbreak of vermetid snail that nearly forced me to shut down the tank!

I have never heard of using calcium carbonate , good video, how would you make a batch for a 10 gallon tank

Brazil here!!!!!

Another Awesome video Michael! Do you have a link to the calcium carbonate you are using?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry I do not, but any health food store online should sell a food grade version. Alternatively the mud is good and works out to the same price when considering bacteria and minerals.

@DanLa

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike cool thx found some, I'll try the mud as well. Really interested to see how the calcuim does with vermitide snails.

Great vid!! Do you dose caco3 weekly or daily?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

I dose it when i clean my glass mainly so twice a week

Hi Mikey thank you for the video! Is the calcium + from Red Sea is the same? Also you mentioned cemi pure blue is not good for the filter? I have the same setup using canister and I added cemipure on the mechanical, should I take them out?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

No it is not the same, this is a precipitated form of calcium like chalk, the red sea product is designed to increase your calcium levels. I have never mentioned anything about chemipure but please use it as the instructions suggest :)

Great tip could u please tell me the mix ratio of rodi to carbonate!! Thank u!!

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

fill a cup with 1/5 of powder and the rest with water

Hi mikey. thank you for 2:34 all the info I just adding life source wondering if I should turn off my skimmer for few hours or not

Hay Mike ,, not much of a chemist but I would like to know how you mix up the calcium carbonate. How would you mix up a gallon and can it be stored for long periods ? Would you just put a teaspoon or two in a gallon of RODI water? Thxs, Erman

I’m wondering if it might even better to dose Kalkwasser (calcium hydroxide) instead because in addition to your description it also lowers PH by converting CO2 into CO3 (carbonate). Am I mixing up things here? What do you think?

With the Calcium Carbonate mixture, How often do you recommend dosing? Will it raise the number on a Calcium test kit? I use All For Reef and don't really want to change the chemistry

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

I dose it every few days. No it won’t change chemistry

@danielm4309

2 жыл бұрын

I was looking for this, Thank you.

So when i blow off sand bed and rocks all detritus and algae will attach to flocculant and get skimmed out. Also would it be a good idea to put it in fresh saltwater when doing water change?

Just my two cents keeping a little nitrate and a little phosphate will keep cyano out of your tank works for me your tanks looking really nice

@6jdhd

2 жыл бұрын

Cyano is a In balance of bacteria has nothing to do with keeping phosphate and nutrient in balance I have had experience cyano with running ultra low nutrient tank were everything was zero. My problem was I didn't have enough fish to balance out the tank.

@dobermanguy9437

2 жыл бұрын

@@6jdhd that's your opinion when I started keeping the proper amounts of nitrates and phosphates in my tank it totally eliminated cyano but then you are entitled to your opinion you can dose nitrate and phosphate manually you did know that when I started doing that I never had a problem with cyano again because it's snuffs out cyano furthermore that's why you had a problem because you probably had no nitrate and no phosphate in there everyone knows you should have a little bit of a nitrate phosphate in a reef tank been in the saltwater hobby since 1986 it's been well documented that a reef tank has to have a little bit of nitrate and a little bit of phosphate and like I said this also helps snuff out cyano you say you didn't have enough fish in your tank well what do you think happens when you put more fish in your tank you're producing more nitrate in the water and also when you feed your producing some phosphate but you know what dude everybody has their own opinion and I do not agree with you one bit

@6jdhd

2 жыл бұрын

@@dobermanguy9437 That's not a Opinion it's a fact. Read up on cyano so you can understand. That's the problem with people in this hobby just cause it went away doesn't mean you fixed it and found the cause. With cyano you have to find the cause if you don't you will always have a out break from time to time. Read on it Nutrients have nothing to do with signal.

@dobermanguy9437

2 жыл бұрын

@@6jdhd look what makes you such a goddamn expert your information is inaccurate ask any experienced reefer when you keep the proper amount of nitrate and phosphate it helps keep cyano out of your tank I'm not going to talk to you no more about it I've been in this hobby since 1986 that's pretty funny you say because it went away I didn't fix it as soon as I had the proper levels of nitrate and phosphate it disappeared in 1 or 2 days so you can keep your comments to yourself because they make no sense look I have a blue hippo tang I've had going on 16 years again ask any experienced person in the hobby they will tell you how important having the proper amount of nitrate and phosphate is to a reef tank and keeping out cyano I have only had a cyano outbreak one time since I've been in just Hobby so you're going to tell me I didn't fix it the only thing I did different was make sure I have enough nitrate and phosphate into tank and it disappeared so you're going to say that's not how it went away come on really😅🤣😂 you say nutrients have nothing to do with cyano what planet are you living on homeboy they have everything to do with it

@dobermanguy9437

2 жыл бұрын

Any experienced Reef keeper knows to keep cyano out of your tank you must maintain a certain level of nitrate and phosphate grab yourself a Red Sea handbook that most saltwater shops have on hand to give to customers in the back it says algae control next to that it tells you to maintain a certain level of nitrates and phosphates this is well well-documented I noticed you said when you added more fish it balance out your tank question what do you think happens to your tank when you start adding more fish eventually your nitrates start going up because you just added more of a bioload to your tank also your phosphates may go up a little bit you have to learn a little bit about chemistry sir I was talking to the guy at the reef store and told them about the comment you made and he started laughing out loud I set up a second tank not long ago I started to get a just a little bit of algae on the sand my phosphate was low when I added the correct dosage of phosphate according to my test kit within two days the little bit of algae that accumulated on the sand was totally gone I'm talking to you from experience

I been looking threw your videos you mention in the one about using the canister filter... I havent set up a tank yet but have been collecting parts and info over the past 5 months... im wondering what the glass or acrylic piece in your tank is that you use for pulling out the water and where would I be able to get one?

Will agricultural lime(calcium carbonate) work or is it some sort of specific calcium carbonate? Also whats the recipe? How much powder per water? Thanks

Is it safe to use both the AF and Calcium Carbonate and RO water at the same time, or should you choose to use one or the other.

Hi mike i might just be a bit dumb or oblivious, could you let me know what the ratios are for the calcium carbonate to water and how much to dose per litre or is it just what ever you feel works

Hi Mike haven’t seen or heard for along time , 😢 needs vid pal 🙏😀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Thx Mikey Mike very helpful going straight to LFS to buy the AF mud.

Hi Mikey how Would you recommend using the AF mud in a system running only canister filter like yours?

Hi Mikey how often do you recommend using it ,even though I don’t have cyano 🤷🏻‍♂️😃👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

I would dose it every time you clean the glass or when there is slime once a week is ok, or daily or monthly.

Another great informative video! I'm definitely adding the calcium carbonate to my list. I'm struggling to understand mixing ratio 1:4 though. Example in 500ml ro di water how much of calcium carbonate should I add to it?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

since it is inert, really you can eyeball it. it will not use problems if dosed to create a light could in your tank

@jaredemmanuelganesan7623

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike Okay cool thanks so much 🙏

@manuelruiz6542

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike sorry didn't quite understand the mix ratio. Also when its finally mixed with RO water. How much should be dose in the tank directly. And how often Should I dose? Also can I use together with life source?

@manuelruiz6542

2 жыл бұрын

@@OMEN101 Do you mean for every 16.9 oz of ro you add 100grams of calcium calcium carbonate?

How often do u clean ur canister filter and how often do u dose the calcium carbonate

I see u have a squirter. How many squirtes go into ur system.Per 25 gallon how much would u dose.Ur Tank is awsome.Thanks for the video

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, 1 squirt is 1ml so 4ml to my 200L system :)

Hey Mikey loving the content so far. I’ve heard about AF Life Source from ReefDudes, BRS, and now all in the same weekend! I’ve got some cyano I’m trying to manage so maybe it’s a sign. Sorry if I missed it but how often are you dosing it to your tank? I saw Sam Parker just put the whole container in his sump and let it passive mix in. 😲🤔

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

I dose this when clean my glass, twice a week, I dose mine at half dose but you can go full dose at night time. I found the mud to take longer to clear up compared to the calcium.

@manuelruiz6542

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemikedo use it after you clean your glass or before hand? When do you dose calcuime carbonated? Also , what's the best mix ratio when adding it a bottle of ro water. And how many ml per gallon do you dose directly to the tank? Thanks

@samuelb.2144

2 жыл бұрын

I'm also wondering if if might be a solution to put the whole container into the sump with a tiny bit of water flow through it. Other brands recommend it but didn't find something for the AF Life Source so far.

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

@@samuelb.2144 it can be done that way too. I know some who do that with success

Thanks for your videos. Where are you from Perth? I lived in East Perth for a while. But I am back in Germany. How many grams of calcium carbonate to how many ml of Roid water do you use? Thank you very much. Gio

did you plumb your tunze algae reactor in line with your canister filter return? I just purchase the tunze algae reactor and i’m running a canister and no sump. thank you!

the Aqua Forest Life Source would create a layer of mud eventually? what to do at that point take mud out from the sand? one of the AF product the AF life bio or something says to remove 10-20% of the medium every 6 weeks idk what that means does this product require that also?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Life source just turns into a cloud and gets filtered out mechanically. Your skimmer or filter sock will remove it over time. I'm not sure about the life bio so best to ask AF about that :)

Can I use the carbonate calcium with aquaforest build (1 drop pr 100 liter, every other dat and life source once a week.?

Nice video how much calcium carbonate per gallon do you use?

Um why do i see a photo of yakult at the start ? Nice video and i also have to try the mud . Great work u do

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

It’s like good bacteria but for our reef :)

@henkvisser730

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike can i explain what those bacteria do from yakult ?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

@Rossy's haha that’s on them if they didn’t watch the video. It is harmless Though.

First time hear about Calcium Carbonate in Reef tank! Definitely will give a try. Thanks for your information

Hi does the calcium carbonate have to be food grade thanks Toni from the UK

What is the ratio for mixing calcium carbonate with RO water? And how much ml per gallon to dose aquarium water? Thank you!

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

1:4 2ml per 100L

So I really want AF life source but seems how it’s impossible to get in the US, I’ll try the calcium carbonate. When you say 4:1 ratio you mean like 4 water to 1 calcium? So hat measurements do you use then?

Hello, i'm going to use a canister filter on my 19 gallons and i'm kinda lost about flow rates, which could be a good number for this one?

Mikey Mike how much would you dose for a 90 gallon on both products. Thx

Sorry this is off topic for the video, but I've been wondering how do you maintain pH in your system? I'm running a new tank without a sump or skimmer, and my pH is always low.

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

You can maintain ph using chaeto algae on reverse cycle and kalwassser dosing, thats what I do :)

Awesome tip. I may have missed it, is the dissolved matter bound w flocculant removed via skimming or how does it get pulled from the water column? Thanks and love your channel!

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Correct! It is removed via skimming or mechanical filtration

Mike, did you notice if there was an EXPIRY date on the mud container? Is is stored at room temp, once opened? Thanks :)

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

I will need to check when I’m home, but you can store it at room temp. I think in a reasonable use car scenario though, you will use it before it expires if any such date applies.

Mike, do it have to be the NOW brand of calcium ?

What is all the equipment you use I thinking of getting a water box 65.4 peninsula aio

Very informative. I’ve used both in the past. The DIY product is sold in a little blue bottle starting with a “Z” for a small fortune, but it does work. I really appreciate the explanation behind each product. I had a tank crash due to some snails reproducing at the same time as a Dino outbreak with an immature biome. I even had the “snow” product but didn’t use it. Wish I would have seen this years ago. Do you dose both or just the AF product?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

I dose the snow when I clean the glass and dose the Af product weekly

Hi Mike! it is the same as the kalkwasser???

Would this affect clams? Since they are filter feeders. Also you mention 1:4 ratio for CaCo3,. Are you measuring in ounces? 1oz CaCo3 to 1oz Rodi

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

No problems with clams. Hmmm, since it is a ratio it does not matter which unit you use: litres, ounces, pounds, peanuts, it is a ratio. 1 part to 4 parts. And since this product is pretty much inert in our reefs, you don't have to be exact with concentration or dosing, just make sure you dose it a mix of RODI and enough to create a mild cloud in your tank that still allows you to see your corals and fish from front to back. I aim for the look of a foggy bacteria bloom.

@HI-DL808

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike Thanks mike 🤙

Can you explain your background please. You just have a white wall behind with accent lights pointing up from the ground?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

My background is an led light. The glass has a diffused film on it :)

From the same brand you have the carbonte with magnesium,what you think abouth that?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure in that as I have no experience with that product :)

also how much you dose and how often?

can someone help me determine how many ml do i need for a 140gal tank?

what are the recommendations for dosing using Calcium Carbonate ? how much do you dose also ?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

dose it once a week or when you clean your glass. I dose 2ml per 100L

@miguelfloriano9039

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike ops i’ve dosing everyday 2 tablespoons spoon mix with half of cup of RO water.. no side effects but the water does turn clean.

Is the DIY will affect my alkalinity? Or ph? I use carbon media, will it absorb it? Will it absorb the af life source?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

It won’t change your alk and ph if you dose it with RODI, if Dosed as a large amount of Dry powder it may influence it a little, but at 2ml per 100L it is safe. As for the mud and carbon, I’m sure there are fine particles that carbon would capture but best ask the people at AF on that one.

@oshersalem8905

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike thanks man. Love what you are doing... Waiting for another knowledgeable video...

amazing 😊😊😊😊

Hi Mike haven’t heard from you for ages 🤷🏻‍♂️

Can this be used only out side of the tank and is it harmful to inside of the tank and live stock?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Haha what do you mean 007? In the video you can see I discuss and show how to dose it inside the tank.

Hi buddy Can I use this in a Nano reef tank 40 lts soft corals???

Hello How often do you need to dose calcium carbonate

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

after cleaning my glass

Will dosing the calcium raise my calcium levels too high for a mixed reef? How often do you dose it? Is this the same as dosing calcium mixtures from BRS or other big name brands? Love your videos and please keep them coming!!!!!

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! This is the precipitaed solid form of calcium carbonate, so its will not dissolve like calcium chloride. It is like adding powdered coral skeletons to your tank. It will not influence your calcium levels as it will not dissolve. Perfectly safe :)

@tatooz52967

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike thank you for commenting so quick. I’m going out to get this today cause I have the dreaded vermatid snails. Great information as always.

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

@@tatooz52967 good luck, it will most likely stave them off but I don’t know if it will completely remove them. There are other hobbyists trying it. best wishes! Worst case scenario you will have crystal clear water :)

@johnfoy4878

2 жыл бұрын

Where do I get it from

@themaineadventure4687

2 жыл бұрын

@@johnfoy4878 1:51

Does adding the calcium carbonate affect calcium levels? Mine are already on the higher end.

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Christopher, since it is the precipitated form, it is essentially like adding a fine powdered aragonite. It will not increase calcium levels in a reef environment since it does not dissolve .

@so_so_reef

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mikeymikemike great, thanks a lot!

Has anyone found AF Life Source in the US. I see it as discontinued

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Speak to coral vue as I believe they are the distributor. I spoke to AF directly and they said it is still in production so perhaps a wait is required. I know there are global and domestic shipping delays to consider. It may already be waiting at a port :)

Hey does the calcium carbonate not raise KH or calsium?

@Mikeymikemike

2 жыл бұрын

Because it is a solid and won’t dissolve in our higher ph tanks. It stays in the precipitated form and does not increase calcium and hardness. Think of it like adding very fine aragonite sand or just dead coral skeletons to the tank (but in powder form) - it will only increase if your reef tank ph drops below 7 but in that circumstance you have bigger problems to worry about :) hope this helps