Formulated by a marine scientist.
Technical Background
This method of calcium and carbonate supplementation is
advantageous to hobbyists interested in a simple and effective means of
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 calcium uptake 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 calcium concentration
within a range of 412 - 450 ppm. 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 B, 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 Reef Cōde A
and B.
Advanced: Determine the calcium
concentration in the aquarium using an accurate test kit before
supplementing. Shake this product well before each use. Each ml of
Brightwell Aquatics Reef Cōde A will increase the concentration of
calcium (�[Ca2+]�) in 1 US-gallon (3.785 L) of water by approximately 16
ppm. If the initial [Ca2+] in the aquarium is below 412 ppm, add this
product at the maximum rate of 5 ml per 10 US-gallons daily until the
desired calcium concentration 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 calcium maintenance: estimate the
volume of water in the entire aquarium system; divide the daily decrease
in [Ca2+] by 16; multiply this number by the volume of water in the
system to get the daily dosage required (ml) to maintain a stable
[Ca2+].
Caution: May cause eye or skin
irritation. Flush with water for 15 minutes if in eyes, seek medical
attention if irritation persists. Keep out of reach of children. Not for
human consumption.
Guaranteed Analysis
Calcium (min) 1,774 mg/oz. (60,000 ppm)
Magnesium (min) 42 mg/oz. (1,500 ppm)
Strontium (min) 36 mg/oz. (1,200 ppm
Ingredients
Purified water, Calcium chloride, Magnesium sulfate, Strontium chloride, Magnesium chloride