Reef Moonshiners - The Full Guide

You may have word the buzz words around your reefing circle, the myth, the legend, the Reef Moonshiners program!
In this episode we'll go over what Reef Moonshiners is, what makes it different from others and then I'll show you how I apply it to my own reef tank.
For further information, please check out the reef moonshiners website below:
reefmoonshiners.com/

[@dusk1947]

I really love the direction this program takes. I have a classic background in Agriculture, and this is how commercial farming has been pursuing agriculture for nearly a century. Which has only been refined each decade by more advanced sensors and sampling methods. But the basic principal behind how Moonshiners works was first published by Liebig & Sprengel in the 1840's, and is known today simply as "the law of the minimum". This eventually became what is called "nutrient management" today in most agricultural sectors. Seeing those principles and that form of thinking take shape in the marine aquarium hobby (like moonshiners & triton) is fantastic and something I can personally relate to as a hobbyist. I personally haven't taken the plunge into this method yet, though it's certainly peaked my interest multiple times now. But I think the process is fantastic. And I'll probably give it a try once my current collection grows out more and I move to a larger system. Though I do wish the contents of the bottle were a little more transparent, other than knowing the element.

[@ParkersReef]

Yes couldn’t agree more, it’s a common methodology across a number of sectors and it completely makes sense in our closed ecosystems

[@adamhudson6812]

Finally decided to bite the bullet for the shine and remembered your video! As always, I appreciate the breakdown and the clarity on how everything works ☺️

[@ParkersReef]

Glad I could be of help!

[@TJ_Southwick]

Yessssss I can’t wait to watch!!!!! I love the shine I just started about 3 months ago I see a huge difference! My shroom went from maybe 1 inch to about 4

[@ParkersReef]

fantastic to hear! Sounds like you are well experienced though!!!

[@theloneaquarist]

Thank you for breaking this down. I’m just now reading through the Reef Moon Shiners handbook and a great coincidence to find this video. Thank you 🙏

[@ParkersReef]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy the shine!!

[@tylercseh8221]

I am happy for this method being spread around. Alot of people struggle with corals because they are missing alot of things in their tank and even too much of some stuff. People say the icp test isn't accurate, the work isn't done by the icp, it's just a reference. When dosing the pure minerals and trace elements to the water everything just loves it. Another thing, not to sell or convert people to moonshiners. I also recommend reading the handbook. Because it brings up some problems and fixes a water change person would more than likely have. My final take on this is to tell people reef moonshiners isn't against water changes. We just take care of our water correctly to where it just becomes meaningless.

[@ParkersReef]

It’s a great program, I have had fantastic results following it :)

[@Alex_Correa]

"People say the icp test isn't accurate, the work isn't done by the icp," Is ICP accuate? Please define what you mean by "ICP doesn't do the work". What 'dos the work"? What "work"? "it's just a reference." If isn't accurate, what eference does it help with? When dosing the pure minerals and trace elements to the water everything just loves it." What minerals and what trace elements are you talking about? Please define "loves it".

[@ParkersReef]

Colour, coral growth and health. The fairly obvious signs

[@tylercseh8221]

@@Alex_Correa instead of asking me what dosing the minerals and trace elements dose for the tank. Educate yourself and read the handbook. Instead of having an argument you can either read it and learn something new or not, and forever stay ignorant. With you bringing up the icp test with people saying it isnt accurate I have not done any research into that. I use it as a reference either way.

[@Alex_Correa]

@@ParkersReef Couldn't we achieve that since 30 years ago without any of these?

[@madaboutmarine6290]

Thank you so much for this video. Took me a little bit of time to gather all my required bottles, but so happy I'm finally fully on the system. So good we now have the products available here in Aus and that we have hobbyists like you and Michael Xia out there showing us the success they are having on it. I'm looking forward to hopefully having an epic little tank on the shine :)

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks for following along, all the best on your moonshine journey!

[@michaelhoward7115]

Thanks for putting this video out Sam! Plan to use this method once my tank has corals next year.

[@ParkersReef]

Glad I could help!!

[@WatchMeGrow1]

Great video mate !! Thanks alot I just got my reefmoonshiners this week .

[@ParkersReef]

Exciting times!!!

[@carlosthereefer]

Thank you, I'm getting started on RM and this really cleared up a lot of questions!

[@ParkersReef]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gusvega6355]

Great video! Thank you for your time and knowledge.

[@ParkersReef]

My pleasure!

[@Reefahholic]

Great explanation Parker! ✅💯

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you!!

[@gerryharrington6412]

Solid video. I appreciate the information.

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks for watching!

[@acuariomarino5075]

Not even that company has a video as clear as the one you made, congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you!!

[@TheJohnny220]

You have a very beautiful take mate. Your an inspiration 😊

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you kindly

[@one-armed-reefer5184]

Great vid as always buddy sorry was not there to watch live and wish this stuff was in the uk

[@ParkersReef]

No worries mate, never a need!! I’ll catch you next week :)

[@gregblaszczuk5809]

Perfect timing! I just send out an ATI test after watching the 3 year update video last week. Excited to try out this program.

[@ParkersReef]

Fantastic! You’ll love it, simple to follow and the results are amazing

[@Alex_Correa]

Please tell me the reason why you wanted to try this. It's a lot of money invested fr something we just can't fully justify.

[@ParkersReef]

Alex, if you keep this up - I won’t have to reply to every comment as you’re doing it for me LOL We understand, you’re not a fan of trace elements. That’s cool, other people are. Enjoy your tank man, not worth going at every comment on here 😂

[@Alex_Correa]

@@ParkersReef I understand. Not my intention to make a big deal here, but after you deleted my comment I decided to comment on other comments to try to put my message on board here. Not everyone needs to agree with everything. Colorful corals can be a reality simply by having a decent maintenance schedule and it's related to coral health, not boosting elements based on aquarium ICP tests. This is nothing directly related to Moonshiners no to your channel or to you, but my observations here are to let people think about this and many other new trends that comes up all the time. Carry on with your channel. I just wanted to put my point of view. It's the right that everyone has here on youtube. Thanks, Parker.

[@ParkersReef]

I didn’t delete any comments, perhaps you used language that KZbin auto deleted? I appreciate your passion, however your approach isn’t doing you any favours. As mentioned multiple, multiple times to your many, many comments - there are a lot of ways to get success in reefing. None of them are “better” than others, use what works for you 👍🏻

[@datboi7599]

thanks for breaking it down. I like the idea behind it and i think itll always make for a successful tank if done properly

[@ParkersReef]

Glad you liked it!

[@Alex_Correa]

what success dos it make? How can it be done properly if ICP isn't accurate at all like many have proven around the globe?

[@ParkersReef]

Plenty do find ICP very accurate though?

[@Alex_Correa]

@@ParkersReef How is that though? Have you tried to send 5 samples of the very same water to the very ICP company and compare the results, for example?

[@datboi7599]

@@Alex_Correa that’s how I’ve done it in the past, maybe not 5 but 2-3 different companies to get those results back

[@grantrogers2878]

If I had more time, I think I'd probably switch to this to give it a try. I use the premixed Coral Essentials with trace because it's easy and I've been getting great results for years. I was adjusting my levels using Coral Essentials products after an ICP, but thought I'd try simplifying things and just got the Triton elements to make corrective doses and follow the Triton ICP recommendations. With all these programs being so similar, I really wonder how much variance there would be and if it's all in our head, thinking things look better simply because we made a change and want to see an improvement.

[@ParkersReef]

If you have a program working for you, def don’t change!

[@NRKA]

Nice video sam, thank you for this. Ill consider a change but always hesitate as its a risk to switch and sort it all out again when everything has been perfect on icp. Is there any info on whats in the mud isnit a naturally collected reef mud?

[@ParkersReef]

I’m not actually sure what is in the mud, it may be mentioned in the manual? As for switching, you can continue with your current method and run your ICP through the calculator and see if there are any recommended changes. Slow and steady 👌🏻

[@2010cabj]

Good video.do you do a weekly water change during doing

[@ParkersReef]

I have a continuous water change on my system and yes, I still do it whilst in moonshiners

[@taneshag5337]

Great video! Just purchased this kit for my reef. I’m not sure if you mentioned, but can I dose the correctional doses on the same day, or should I do one per day. I don’t want to cause any issues in my reef.

[@ParkersReef]

Correctional you can do in the same day as each other, but the instructions (calculator) will say if you need to do it across a few days

[@LS10Works]

Am i right in thinking this is basically the same as the original Triton method but without the requirement of 10% min tank volume refugium and specific baffled sump layout? A simplified version with options for using other companies products where needed..? Nice vid man, thanks.

[@ParkersReef]

I couldn’t comment on the triton method as I haven’t ever looked that much, but it certainly would not surprise me. It’s a simple concept really, test elements, dose elements :)

[@fishstix1988]

I want to put them on automatic losers through the Neptune DOS. Should I drill a hole into the cap and just put the tubing in directly, or should I use a John guest fitting instead?

[@ParkersReef]

If wanting to put onto a doser, I'd consider either using dosing containers (just move the labels off the bottles to the containers) or if you do use the containers, make two holes. One big enough for the dosing line to go in and reach the bottom of the container and a second tiny little hole just to act as a breather (otherwise you will suck the containers in when dosing from them).

[@coreywildbore7716]

Hi Sam, The dream reef has been set up for almost 3 years now and this is the first mention of reef moonshiners? How long have you been using the rm method and what were you using previously?

[@ParkersReef]

Absolutely not the first mention, most updates on the tank for the last couple years have shown that I’m using it :) Have been on this system for about 2.5 years, previously I was using coral essentials which is a great product too

[@shnapper209]

Hi sam what about water changes, from what ive read a lot no longer do them. What are you doing and what are your thoughts? Thanks

[@ParkersReef]

I’m still a big fan of water changes, especially automated ones. Reduces the amount of trace I need to add and export that I need to do

[@dosmaiz7361]

Whats that blue and yellow striped fish? Its amazing.

[@ParkersReef]

Hmmm perhaps the Australian stripey?

[@WatchMeGrow1]

Quick question. What do you use for calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium? Thanks mate 🤙🏾

[@ParkersReef]

Sure thing mate! I’m using a calcium reactor for 90% of my main supplements, plus a little kalkwasser. But if I do need to boost any of them, I use aquaforest powders for those

[@SB-ju4yf]

Hi Parker, what’s the difference to the TRITON method? TRITON also gives you correctional and daily dosages? It even has a calculator to mix some of the elements, which allows you to dose them by use of a dosing pump. It’s easier.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah great question and I am not 100% qualified to respond on behalf of the Triton method as it is not something I have ever done or read up on in any huge detail, but from a quick glance I think the major differences is the approach to dosing. Triton seems to be just correctional with no dailies? You mentioned that they do give daily dosages though? But again, I am not really qualified to answer - best find someone who has done the triton method to find any differences. I can say that the underlying process of test for value, adjust value is definitely very similar!

[@Alex_Correa]

Both have ICP as their basis and both fail in accuracy because of that. When you dose things that won't hurt your system doesn't matter using ICP or not. It's just like dosing amino acids. It doesn't hurt the system. It's not magical nor miracle! It's unnecessary!

[@ParkersReef]

Which elements do you deem to be necessary and which do you deem to not be Alex?

[@Alex_Correa]

@@ParkersReef I was expecting you to tell me something about that.

[@SB-ju4yf]

@@ParkersReef read the detail “dosage” part in the online TRITON result, they give you daily dosages for some of the elements.

[@ryanm784]

Hi Sam, so do you do water changes? if your dosing the elements is it counter intuitive to water change and dose?

[@ParkersReef]

I do indeed do continuous water changes. At 20L a day, it is not enough to maintain full trace element levels though. Is mentioned in the handbook 👍🏻

[@ryanm784]

@@ParkersReef ok I thought 1 advantage was that moonshiners is water changes aren’t required?

[@ParkersReef]

@ryanm784 certainly are not required no. However I am a fan of water changes, particularly automated ones and you certainly can still do them with the method

[@Cappa4343]

So no water changes? Also, when do you start using this?

[@ParkersReef]

Mentioned a few times that you absolutely can still do water changes with the method if you like. As for when to start following the method, you could literally from any point. Obviously while your coral load is low, the trace element up take will be equally low though

[@mohammedpatel5284]

Could you give me a rough estimate of what you spend per month using this method? I'm just looking for a ballpark amount - obviously I know your tank volume is a lot higher than mine. Also, what was the initial outlay like for all the supplements? I'd love to try this method but my initial thought is that ongoing costs will be way too much for me.

[@ParkersReef]

The best way to work this out is to grab your latest ICP results and upload them into the FREE reef moonshiners calculator. That will give you a shopping list of everything you'd need to buy upfront (so you can work out initial outlay) and then also tell you how much of each you need to dose each day. You're also welcome to substitute in elements from other brands that you may already have if you wish to save more money (especially on the initial setup)

[@joebeasley6746]

Do you find that over time your micro nutrients follow your Ca and Alk changes?

[@ParkersReef]

It's interesting, sometimes they align, but sometimes they do not.

[@oliverbellevue]

I’m new to all this, excuse me if this ignorant: what’s the difference between moonshiners and Triton ICP testing and dosing? (I understand triton = refugium, just in terms of dosing and testing) TY

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah great question and I am not 100% qualified to respond on behalf of the Triton method as it is not something I have ever done or read up on in any huge detail, but from a quick glance I think the major difference is the approach to dosing (triton seems to be just correctional with no dailies?) But again, I am not really qualified to answer - best find someone who has done the triton method to find any differences. I can say that the underlying process of test for value, adjust value is definitely very similar!

[@jamesb5277]

Do you do water changes? How does that affect your dosing results if you do?

[@ParkersReef]

Indeed I do. Water changes are still welcome in the reef moonshiners program, mine are continuous so it is very consistent

[@jamesb5277]

Ok, awesome definitely going to try this method. Love the channel! Thanks for the reply

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@glenncameron7491]

I'm wondering what the setup and ongoing costs are for your system.

[@ParkersReef]

it will vary from tank to tank. The calculator is completely free, so you can grab your most recent ICP test, pop the values in and see what it recommends you buy. The daily doses will remain pretty consistent, but your correctional dosages should really only be needed once or twice a year. That'll give you an idea as to what it will cost for your tank

[@glenncameron7491]

​@@ParkersReefthanks. I'll check it out.

[@ParkersReef]

Will admit that the initial cost can be high if you have a large system or need a lot of correctional doses. But bear in mind you can use other supplements if you have them available.

[@aquaristicenthusiast1218]

If you like reefmoonshiners, take a look at fauna marin, in my opinion the much more professional way.

[@ParkersReef]

yeah ok, will take a look. I think the thing that really makes moonshiners so good is the level of support you get. After all, the program itself isn't all that different from other options - so the support is what makes the difference (IMO)

[@curtisagnew8606]

How do you know how much rubidium to dose when the icps don't test for them?

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah Rubidium is one that I am doing a small dose of for the size of my tank regardless of not testing for it. Not something I'd recommend to most, but is something I am monitoring closely

[@curtisagnew8606]

@@ParkersReef how do you go about monitoring it? By eye?

[@Roberto_Reefer]

@@curtisagnew8606 by eye is really funny 🙂

[@ParkersReef]

I dose a very low amount and watch the tank for any bad reactions. Again, not something I’d recommend - is just what I am doing :)

[@curtisagnew8606]

@ParkersReef how low is a low amount and how often on your heavily stocked monster tank? And have you seen a good reaction to that amount? We dont get moonshiners in the UK. I've seen aqua forest rubidium on a shelf and I've always wanted to try the stuff but you don't get a lot of information on rubidium, so when I see someone talking about it I try an get a bit of information out of them. Your the 1st to reply lol

[@adrianshorter9264]

I hope I’m not being controversial… this is just a rebranded Triton Method… exactly the same just a different name.

[@ParkersReef]

I don’t know enough about triton, but there are certainly some similarities!

[@Alex_Correa]

ICP isn't accurate, but it really doesn't matter because any of the additives are just to make the illusion you are doing something "great" fr your corals... Your mind will feel very satisfied! Your pocket will hurt a little. Your corals won't care a bit!

[@ParkersReef]

lol Alex, your very passionate about this and that is awesome. Just try to keep an open mind though yeah?

[@Alex_Correa]

@@ParkersReef I do respect choices, I don't appreciate methodologies that preach their methodologies as science. ICP is not absolute, Parker. Chemists have published that. I'm not passionate about that at all. Just commenting expecting to have any plausible answer to learn something here, cause until now I couldn't be able to justify my money invested in something not accurate at all. This hobby is getting too expensive with futile unnecessary things for easy profits.

[@ParkersReef]

I don’t think the word science was used at all to describe the reef moonshiners methodology?

[@paulm0573]

That huge shopping list especially for a first time user has deterred me from doing this moonshiners dosing and taking the recommended corrective action. Think it’s purely just a money grabber!

[@ParkersReef]

Fair enough, it can be a big list at first!

[@Reefahholic]

When elements are depleted, it’s smart to supplement them back to the system. A first time shopper’s list will be the same with any company targeting the entire chemistry. It’s always bigger initially if you haven’t been checking on your chemistry. It’s not mandatory to correct everything at one time, but it’s more ideal to correct it when it’s depleted instead of waiting around and leaving the chemistry lacking. The quicker you correct it, the faster the tank can get on to business. 😉