Technical Background
This method of calcium and carbonate supplementation is
advantageous to hobbyists interested in a simple and effective solution
to providing the very elements and molecules required for growth of
reef-building organisms such as corals, clams, and their allies. Corals
and other reef-building organisms require adequate and stable available
calcium and alkalinity if they are to thrive, regardless of how perfect
the remainder of their environment is. Under most conditions, the
mineral that is secreted as skeletal material is known as Aragonite,
composed mostly of carbonate and calcium by weight. Reef-building
organisms must extract these substances from the surrounding water in
order to secrete new skeletal material for growth. By maintaining the
same ratio of calcium ions and carbonates in an aquarium as that found
in natural seawater, these organisms have the necessary building blocks
available in the proper proportions, even if the hobbyist chooses to
maintain higher concentrations of these substances.
For maximum effectiveness of the Reef Cōde method, the
magnesium concentration in reef aquaria should be adjusted to, and
maintained between, 1,290 - 1,320 ppm before using these products (alone
or together) or any other calcium and alkalinity products. Doing so
helps prevent unwanted precipitation between calcium and carbonate ions.
Additional information on this subject is available on our website and
on the label for Brightwell Aquatics Magnesion.
The rate at which calcium and carbonates are extracted
from the water is determined by the stocking density of reef-building
livestock, type of lighting, and other conditions; therefore, each
aquarium will have different requirements for the rate of
supplementation. Once the rate of alkalinity depletion in the aquarium
has been determined, the proper dosing rate of this product can be
easily calculated.
Instructions and Guidelines
Basic: Shake product well before using.
Add 5 ml (1 capful) of product per 25 US-gallons of aquarium water
every other day or as needed to maintain the alkalinity within a range
of 7 - 12 dKH. When used in this fashion, 250 ml treats up to 1,250
US-gallons (4,732 L). When used in equal amounts with Reef Cōde A, the
calcium and carbonates being added are in the same ratio found in
natural seawater. Do not mix products in the same container; this will
cause the active components to precipitate and become ineffective. Allow
60 seconds to pass between dosing with Reef Cōde A and B.
Advanced: Determine the alkalinity in
the aquarium using an accurate test kit before supplementing. Shake this
product well before each use. Each ml of Brightwell Aquatics Reef Cōde B
will increase the alkalinity in 1 US-gallon (3.785 L) of water by
approximately 2.22 dKH (0.79 meq/L). If the initial alkalinity in the
aquarium is below 7 dKH (2.5 meq/L), add this product at the maximum
rate of 5 ml per 10 US-gallons daily until the desired alkalinity is
attained, then dose daily or weekly as needed (see below). Note that
each aquarium has different requirements for calcium and carbonates
(which largely constitute Alkalinity or Buffering Capacity, hence
pH-stability); therefore, it is not uncommon for unequal amounts of Reef
Cōde A and B to be required for obtaining and maintaining the desired
calcium concentration and alkalinity. To determine the daily dosing rate
for alkalinity maintenance: estimate the volume of water in the entire
aquarium system; divide the daily decrease in alkalinity by 2.22 (when
measuring alkalinity by dKH; divide by 0.79 when measuring by meq/L);
multiply this number by the volume of water in the system to get the
daily dosage required (ml) to maintain a stable alkalinity.
Caution: Contains carbonate and
bicarbonate salts; harmful if swallowed. If swallowed: give water, get
medical attention. May cause eye or skin irritation. If in eyes, flush
with water for 15 minutes, get medical attention. If on skin, wash
thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children. Not for human
consumption.
Guaranteed Analysis
Alkalinity or Buffering Capacity (min) 8,400 dKH (3,000 meq/L)
Ingredients
Purified water, inorganic Carbonate, Bicarbonate, Sulfate, and Borate salts