{"title":"Element Dosing","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eHardly any other topic is discussed as hotly in the reef hobby as the supply of trace elements and calcium. The correct dosage is important for the biological processes in your aquarium as well as for the health and growth of your corals. On this page we present various supply systems. From individual solutions for certain trace elements to all-rounders that cover everything, you will find a large selection here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n---KATSPLIT---\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eWhere to start when it comes to supplying your marine aquarium? - our tip:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eTanks with few inhabitants and low-maintenance corals don't always need more than regular water changes with high-quality sea salt. Calcium and carbonate supply becomes more important once the first stony corals live inside your reef tank. Trace elements are also relevant once your corals show good growth and\/or you own many animals. Be careful with dosing trace elements and regularly check the concentrations with specific tests.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tropic-marin-original-balling","title":"Tropic Marin Original Balling","description":"\u003cp\u003e Components of the Balling method:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Component A - Calcium chloride: supply of calcium ions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Component B - Sodium bicarbonate: supply of carbonates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eComponent C - Sodium chloride-free sea salt: Maintains ionic balance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIs it necessary to add lime to a saltwater aquarium?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Yes, because calcifying organisms such as corals, mussels and calcareous algae extract substances from the water that they need for their growth. Calcium and carbonates are incorporated into the skeleton or shell. The concentrations of these substances decrease and must be increased accordingly. This is the only way to ensure that your reef inhabitants continue to develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhat options for carbonate supply are there in general?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eThese are: (1) water changes with sea salt suitable for corals, (2) lime water, (3) Balling, (4) variants based on Balling, (5) combination products such as Carbo-Calcium and All-for-Reef and (6) the calcium reactor. Water changes and the addition of lime water are no longer sufficient or impractical when the coral population increases and at the latest when stony corals are introduced - especially in aquariums beyond nano size. The calcium reactor is an additional technical component that is particularly worthwhile for large aquariums - but even here, minor adjustments to the calcium or KH values ​​may be necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHow does the Balling method work?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eDissolve the Balling salts in osmosis water according to the instructions on the package or use the ready-to-use version (Liquid Set). The solutions can be used immediately and have a long shelf life. First determine the water volume in your aquarium as well as the calcium concentration and carbonate hardness using suitable water tests. Then determine the required dosage to achieve an optimal calcium value between 400 and 450 mg\/l - e.g. with the help of a dosage calculator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tropic-marin-smartinfo.com\/original-balling-components\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDOSAGE\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eWe recommend that you start by slowly increasing the dosage and not increasing the KH by more than 0.5°dH per day. As a guide: For a 500-litre tank, this is around 100 ml. Always add the same amount of each of the 3 Balling solutions and dose at a certain time interval so that precipitation does not occur. Ideally, you should also spread out the daily dose and not add everything to the aquarium at once. A dosing pump can do this job for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Now check the water values ​​regularly, especially KH, and gradually adjust the dosage until the addition and consumption levels out. If you notice a disproportion between calcium and KH, the solutions can also be dosed unevenly until the ratio is correct again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The Balling method causes a slight increase in salinity over time. The salinity can easily be adjusted by changing the water (with component C).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat accessories are needed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e KH test and optional calcium test to check the water values; osmosis water; 3 separate and ideally labelled containers (e.g. canisters) and, if necessary, funnels for preparing the 3 solutions (not necessary for the original Balling Liquid Set); (kitchen) scales (not necessary for the original Balling Refill Set); if necessary, dosing pump including hoses etc. (ensures a consistent supply and thus reduces fluctuations)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVariations of the Balling Method - Application Example Coralaxy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eWe also use the Balling method in our system for carbonate and calcium supply - but with a few adjustments. Practice has shown that weekly 10% water changes prevent an ion imbalance. We therefore do not use component C. In addition, we add magnesium and trace elements at the same time with the Balling solutions. For this purpose, 17g\/l of organic magnesium and 50 ml\/l of K \u003csup\u003e+\u003c\/sup\u003e -Elements trace elements are added to Balling solution A. Balling solution B is mixed with 50 ml\/l of A \u003cspan class=\"blau\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e-\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e -Elements. The addition of trace elements is thus linked to the calcium and carbonate consumption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coralaxy","offers":[{"title":"Component A","offer_id":44796847685886,"sku":"52-004-265122","price":11.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Component B","offer_id":44796847718654,"sku":"52-004-265123","price":11.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Component C","offer_id":44796847751422,"sku":"52-004-265124","price":19.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Component Set ABC","offer_id":44796847784190,"sku":"52-004-265125","price":39.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Refill Set","offer_id":44796847816958,"sku":"52-004-265126","price":25.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/5345\/9454\/products\/3998.jpg?v=1710239737"},{"product_id":"tropic-marin-carbo-calcium","title":"Tropic Marin Carbo-Calcium","description":"\u003cp\u003e Carbo-Calcium supplies your aquarium with calcium and carbonates. The supply of these substances is crucial for the growth of corals, calcareous algae and mussels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Differences to the Balling method:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e combined intake of calcium and carbonates, no individual adjustment of calcium or carbohydrates possible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n \u003cli\u003eno effect on salinity, pH or ion balance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e highly concentrated and extremely efficient\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e simplified application using only the KH value\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIs it necessary to add lime to a saltwater aquarium?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Yes, because calcifying organisms such as corals, mussels and calcareous algae extract substances from the water that they need for their growth. Calcium and carbonates are incorporated into the skeleton or shell. The concentrations of these substances decrease and must be increased accordingly. This is the only way to ensure the further development of your reef inhabitants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhat options for carbonate supply are there in general?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eThese are: (1) water changes with sea salt suitable for corals, (2) lime water, (3) Balling, (4) variants based on Balling, (5) combination products such as Carbo-Calcium and All-for-Reef and (6) the calcium reactor. Water changes and the addition of lime water are no longer sufficient or impractical when the coral population increases and at the latest when stony corals are introduced - especially in aquariums beyond nano size. The calcium reactor is an additional technical component that is particularly worthwhile for large aquariums - but even here, minor adjustments to the calcium or KH values ​​may be necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHow does Carbo-Calcium work?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eDissolve the Carbo-Calcium in osmosis water according to the instructions on the package or use the ready-to-use liquid version. The solutions can be used immediately and have a long shelf life. First determine the water volume in your aquarium and the carbonate hardness using a suitable water test. Then determine the required dosage amount - e.g. with the help of a dosage calculator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tropic-marin-smartinfo.com\/carbocalcium\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTropic Marin Dosing Calculator\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The initial dosage is 5 ml of Carbo-Calcium per 100 liters of aquarium water. Ideally, you should divide the daily dose and not add it all to the aquarium at once. A dosing pump can do this job for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Now check the water values ​​regularly, especially KH, and increase the daily dosage week by week by 2.5 ml per 100 litres of water volume until the carbonate hardness is constantly between 7 and 9 °dH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat accessories are needed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e KH test and optional calcium test to check the water values; osmosis water; container (e.g. canister) and if necessary funnel for preparing the solution and (kitchen) scales (not necessary for the liquid variant); if necessary dosing pump including hoses etc. (ensures a consistent supply and thus reduces fluctuations).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coralaxy","offers":[{"title":"500ml \/ Solution","offer_id":44796847915262,"sku":"52-004-2620132","price":16.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"700g \/ powder","offer_id":44796847948030,"sku":"52-004-2620133","price":19.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"1400g \/ powder","offer_id":44796847980798,"sku":"52-004-2620134","price":32.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/5345\/9454\/products\/4008.jpg?v=1710239744"},{"product_id":"tropic-marin-all-for-reef","title":"Tropic Marin All-For-Reef","description":"\u003cp\u003e All-For-Reef not only supplies your aquarium with calcium and carbonates, but also with magnesium and all important trace elements. All components are coordinated with each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Differences to the Balling method:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e combined supply, no individual adjustments possible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e no effect on salinity, pH or ion balance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e simplified application using the KH value\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHow does All-For-Reef work?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eAll-For-Reef can be used immediately and has a long shelf life. First determine the water volume in your aquarium and the carbonate hardness using a suitable water test. Then determine the required dosage amount - e.g. with the help of a dosage calculator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tropic-marin-smartinfo.com\/all-for-reef\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTROPIC MARIN DOSAGE CALCULATOR\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The initial dosage is 5 ml All-For-Reef per 100 liters of aquarium water. Ideally, you should divide the daily dose and not add everything to the aquarium at once. A dosing pump can do this job for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Now check the water values ​​regularly, especially KH, and increase the daily dosage week by week by 2.5 ml per 100 litres of water volume until the carbonate hardness is constantly between 7 and 9 °dH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhat accessories are needed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eKH test; if necessary, dosing pump including hoses etc. (ensures a consistent supply and thus reduces fluctuations); when purchasing the powder: scales, osmosis water, mixing container\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coralaxy","offers":[{"title":"250ml \/ Solution","offer_id":44796848079102,"sku":"52-004-2670138","price":12.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"500ml \/ Solution","offer_id":44796848111870,"sku":"52-004-2670139","price":17.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000ml \/ Solution","offer_id":44796848144638,"sku":"52-004-2670140","price":31.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"800g \/ powder","offer_id":44796848177406,"sku":"52-004-2670144","price":31.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1600g \/ powder","offer_id":44796848210174,"sku":"52-004-2670145","price":46.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/5345\/9454\/products\/4010.jpg?v=1710239756"},{"product_id":"tropic-marin-spurenelemente","title":"Tropic Marin Trace Elements","description":"\u003cp\u003e Tropic Marin A- and K+ Elements supply your saltwater aquarium with essential trace elements. The concentrations of the individual elements in the solutions are tailored to your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTrace elements - what for?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eTrace elements such as iodine, strontium, potassium and co are involved in a variety of physiological processes and often act as cofactors in proteins and enzymes. They catalyze biochemical reactions that occur, for example, during photosynthesis and calcification. In closed systems such as an aquarium, trace elements are consumed disproportionately, particularly as the coral population increases, and must therefore be replaced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhen does adding trace elements not make sense?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e In new aquariums and with a small number of corals, it is not advisable to add trace elements separately. A few corals only use a small amount of trace elements and small deficiencies can be easily compensated for by regular water changes with high-quality sea salt. The risk of overdosing on trace elements should be avoided at all costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhen does it make sense to add trace elements?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eAdding trace elements is advisable as soon as the consumption can no longer be compensated by water changes. This is particularly the case with increasing stocking (especially of SPS corals), increased growth of corals or with intensive filtration (activated carbon, zeolite, adsorber).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTips for use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Always dose trace elements conservatively. Start with a daily dose of 1 ml of A- or K+ elements per 100 liters of aquarium water. The requirement can be significantly higher in well-stocked tanks. To match your trace element dosage to the actual requirement, we recommend adding the same amount as the calcium intake. If you use the classic Balling method for calcium supply, you can link the addition of trace elements to the calcium and carbonate consumption as follows: add 50 ml\/l K \u003csup\u003e+\u003c\/sup\u003e elements to Balling solution A and 50 ml\/l A \u003cspan class=\"blau\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e-\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e elements to Balling solution B.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCombination product vs. individual adjustment of trace elements and their control\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Combination products provide a basic supply of trace elements. You should regularly check your trace element levels using ICP analyses. The analyses will also show you whether individual elements are being consumed in excess. These are often iodine, strontium, boron, potassium, bromine or iron. In this case, you can dose these separately in addition to the combination product.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coralaxy","offers":[{"title":"2x 200ml","offer_id":44796850438398,"sku":"52-004-24104153","price":18.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"2x 500ml","offer_id":44796850372862,"sku":"52-004-24104148","price":37.8,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2x 1000ml","offer_id":44796850405630,"sku":"52-004-24104149","price":54.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/5345\/9454\/products\/5502.jpg?v=1710239834"},{"product_id":"tropic-marin-bio-magnesium","title":"Tropic Marin Bio-Magnesium","description":"\u003cp\u003e Tropic Marin Bio-Magnesium allows you to precisely adjust the magnesium level independently of other water parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eA liquid solution (e.g. for dosing pumps) can be prepared without any problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eMagnesium - what for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Compared to calcium or KH, magnesium is consumed much more slowly in saltwater aquariums. Nevertheless, it is an important element that is involved in elementary physiological processes such as photosynthesis or ATP production. In addition, magnesium ensures that calcium and carbonates remain in solution even in high concentrations (as is common in saltwater).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhen does it make sense to add magnesium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eAddition is advisable if the magnesium level is below 1200 mg\/l. Only add the amount if you know the exact value and if you have previously set the salinity to 35 PSU. In general, calcareous algae, mangroves, and also various soft corals and gorgonians in particular consume increased amounts of magnesium. If you want to successfully care for these organisms, monitoring and adjusting the magnesium level is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhen does adding magnesium not make sense?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Adding magnesium is not advisable if the measured value is already 1350 mg\/l or more. Increased concentrations of magnesium can be harmful to the organisms in the aquarium. In addition, high magnesium values ​​lead to increased precipitation. Less is therefore more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTips for use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Adding a measuring spoon of Bio-Magnesium increases the value by 10 mg\/l per 100 liters of aquarium water. We recommend dissolving the powder in osmosis water before adding it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eIf you use the classic Balling method for the lime supply, it is a good idea to link the magnesium addition to the calcium and carbonate consumption. To do this, simply add 17g\/l of organic magnesium to Balling solution A.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coralaxy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44796851912958,"sku":"52-004-29402","price":14.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/5345\/9454\/products\/6313.jpg?v=1710239867"},{"product_id":"tropic-marin-iod","title":"Tropic Marin Iodine","description":"\u003cp\u003eTropic Marin Iodine is an iodine-potassium iodide solution in a ratio of 1:2 (Lugol's solution). Due to the fact that it contains various forms (I-, I2, I3-, I5) of iodine, this product is very suitable for addition to the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIodine - what for?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e An additional dose of iodine has a particularly positive effect when caring for various soft corals, such as xenias and tube corals. High concentrations of the element can be found in the tissues of these animals. Gorgonians and black corals require iodine for the synthesis (= formation) of their skeleton, and the proportion of iodine contained in them can be up to 23%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e When adding iodine to saltwater aquariums, a positive effect on the color of stony corals has often been reported. Iodine is said to particularly support the formation of blue and violet colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTips for using Tropic Marin Iodine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eAdd one drop of iodine to 200 liters of aquarium water every day. Do not add doses if you forget to add one day, for example. Stick to one drop per 200 liters of aquarium water per day. We recommend that you check the iodine level regularly using drop tests or ICP analyses. Be aware that iodine is present in a variety of different compounds in seawater and can therefore only be partially detected by tests. You can find detailed information on this in our blog post: Dosing iodine in saltwater aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e If the stock is very dense and the measurements allow it, you can increase the dosage to a maximum of 2 drops per 200 liters of aquarium water per day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Iodine is sensitive to light. It is therefore best to store it in a dark place.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coralaxy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44796855582974,"sku":"52-004-24304","price":12.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/5345\/9454\/products\/7985.jpg?v=1710240047"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/5345\/9454\/collections\/d502b1546f101fd656a693dfb9bbc635.jpg?v=1716063842","url":"https:\/\/coralaxy.live\/en\/collections\/element-dosing.oembed","provider":"Coralaxy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}