ESV B-Ionic, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Hydroxide, Calcium Chloride, etc. Additives/Supplements |
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| ESV B-Ionic Calcium Buffer
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ESV B-Ionic Calcium Buffer is the original, unique, easy to use, two-component liquid supplement system. When using equal volumes of each component, the aquarist can easily maintain calcium and alkalinity levels with no mixing powders, disruption of ionic balance, or addition of organic chemicals. B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System does not contain phosphates or nitrates. In addition to supplying highly concentrated calcium and carbonate alkalinity required for calcification, B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System also provides all other important major, minor, and trace elements in the proper ratios to duplicate the composition of natural seawater. As a result, B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System will help restore inorganic ions lost from protein skimming and help maintain the ionic balance of the aquarium water. |
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| ESV B-Ionic Magnesium
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Through the chemical process known as "ion-pairing", magnesium ion concentration influences the saturation point for calcium carbonate in solution. In general, the further the magnesium concentration drops from natural seawater levels (1350 ppm), the more difficult it becomes to maintain adequate levels of both calcium and alkalinity. Magnesium also plays an important role in stabilizing pH by interacting with the buffer system of seawater. ESV B-Ionic Magnesium is an easy to use one component liquid supplement which, when used with B-Ionic Calcium Buffer or kalkwasser, will not disrupt the ionic balance of closed marine aquaria. B-Ionic Magnesium does not contain nitrates, phosphates, organics, or chelating agents. B-Ionic Magnesium contains 60,000 ppm magnesium, and one mL will raise one gallon of aquarium water by 15 ppm. |
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Note: Salifert Liquid Magnesium is an excellent alternative.
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| ESV Bromide-Fluoride Supplement |
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ESV Bromide-Fluoride Supplement conservatively adds these important major ions which can be depleted via calcification and biological organic synthesis. Fluoride is concentrated in coral skeleton and may play an important role in calcification. Some marine organisms use bromide to synthesize organic anti-microbial compounds which may enhance their ability to resist disease. Bromide, like iodide, is also highly concentrated in many marine algae. Any export of these algae from the system, such as harvesting algae filters and photosynthetic particulate removal via protein skimming, could result in depletion of bromide. |
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| ESV Potassium Iodide Solution |
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ESV Potassium Iodide Solution is a very pure form of iodide. Iodide is an important micro-nutrient for many marine plants. It has also been suggested that iodide may play an important role in enhancing a coral's ability to adapt to rapid changes in light intensity and spectrum. Our recommended dosage is 1 drop per gallon per week (1 ml per 20 gallons per week). |
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| ESV Strontium Chloride Solution |
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ESV Strontium Chloride Solution is a very pure and concentrated form of strontium, free of phosphates and nitrates. The aquarist should be aware that Strontium Chloride does not add bicarbonate and carbonate ions to the system. Since most calcifying organisms require these ions in addition to strontium ions, the aquarist should monitor alkalinity frequently when using Strontium Chloride and make the proper adjustments with a buffer additive. Exactly how strontium suplementation benefits marine aquaria is a subject open for debate. Some have demonstrated its effectiveness in precipitating orthophosphate from the water column. This could result in less problem algae blooms and enhanced calcification of corals and coralline algae by lowering phosphates, which has been shown to "poison" calcification. Others have speculated that less energy is required for calcifying organisms to extract strontium carbonate than calcium carbonate because of greater insolubility. Regardless of the mechanism involved, there is strong anecdotal evidence that marine aquaria dosed with Strontium Chloride show increased growth rates of coralline algae and hard corals. There have been reports of suspected strontium toxicity to aquarium inhabitants when large doses were applied, so we recommend that the aquarist not exceed maximum recommended dose. |
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| ESV Calcium Chloride |
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ESV Calcium Chloride is a very pure anhydrous grade free of phosphates and nitrates. The advantage of using Calcium Chloride as a calcium supplement in marine aquaria is its very high solubility in water. This property allows the aquarist to rapidly adjust calcium concentrations to desired levels. The aquarist should be aware that Calcium Chloride does not add bicarbonate and carbonate ions to the system. Since most calcifying organisms require these ions in addition to calcium ions, the aquarist should monitor the alkalinity frequently when using Calcium Chloride and make the proper adjustments with a buffer additive. Calcium Chloride can directly reduce alkalinity by elevating the calcium ion concentration to excessively high levels and thereby initiate the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the water. This may or may not be visibly detectable, depending on the magnitude of precipitation. Excessive use of Calcium Chloride may disrupt the balance of ions in a marine system by the continued addition of chloride ions. Since saltwater contains such a large concentration of chloride ions, it would take a very long time before significant chloride imbalance would occur, especially if water changes are performed. We recommend Calcium Hydroxide as a better long-term calcium supplement, but Calcium Chloride can be very useful in restoring proper calcium ion levels should they drop while using Calcium Hydroxide. |
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Note: Seachem Reef Calcium is an excellent alternative.
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| ESV Calcium Hydroxide
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ESV Calcium Hydroxide is the proven standard for maintaining calcium concentration and alkalinity in closed marine aquaria. The calcium provided is directly used by calcifying organisms, and the hydroxide ions provided readily convert dissolved CO2 into bicarbonate and carbonate ions, which are also directly used by calcifying organisms. The net result is no ionic imbalances in the aquarium water, which can occur through the prolonged use of other calcium supplements, such as calcium chloride. This product is extrmely pure and meets American Water Works and Water Chemicals Codex Specifications. This means it's pure enough to be used in low-levels as potable water additive by water municipalities. Due to the high pH of Calcium Hydroxide solutions, it's important to add slowly ("dripping" is best) to your system so as to prevent localized precipitation and the resultant loss of alkalinity. |
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