Minerals for reef tanks

There has been a significant advancement in aquarium technology over the past few decades, hence enabling the common man to successfully pursue interests in maintenance and propagation of more and more corals in the reef aquarium. But Reef systems and corals present unique challenges.

In natures lap, that is in the open seas there is almost inexhaustible supply of water from where the animals, coral reefs or any form of aquatic life can draw the minerals they need. But that's not the case in an aquarium or a reef tank.

This has given rise to the need of having effective dosing systems in place, so that there is a continuous and efficacious supply of elements critical to the well being of many of these reef building organisms, minerals being one of the most important part of this dose. Calcium and carbonates are the most important in the list of .

A breakthrough study was done in the 1970's by a German aquarist, Peter Wilkens. He advocated the use of calcium carbonated water in the aquarium. His modus operandi involved a saturated calcium hydroxide solution which was then fed into the aquarium drop by drop using a thin tube. But there were side effects associated with this. This caused a significant rise in the pH. Values.

Around mid 90's another popular German aquarist, Ernst Pawlowsky introduced a novel method of calcium supplementation, called Calcium part A and Calcium part B. The method became very popular in United States pretty soon.

Another counterpart of his, Rolf Hebbinghaus produced the calcium reactor. But one who almost overshadowed his peers was Hans-Wermer Baling who developed the "Balling Method" of calcium supplementation.

Since the late 90's the continual improvements in the Balling method made it the method of choice for dosing reef aquariums, including calcium, magnesium and alkalinity among others. If used appropriately all major elements remain constant with calcium levels at 420 mg/L, magnesium at about 1300 mg/L and carbonate alkalinity at 7 dKH. This also replenishes several minerals typically found in sea salt mixes.

Although this method has the capacity to almost double the small polyped stony corals in their aquarium within 100 days, coloration is compromised unless the traces of following minerals are added too: Iron, iodine, strontium and NF Metal

Corals reef tanks demand your continuous attention and proper care. But there is nothing to fret about. Knowledge about what nourishes them (such as minerals) can give you a healthy life there out in your reef tank, which you would be proud of.


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