What is Calcium? Calcium, scientific formula as Ca, is a very important element for most animal life, especially for corals and shellfish. It is the main cause of hard freshwater. Certain species of freshwater fish require certain levels of calcium. It is also the main ingredient in limestone, shellgrit and coral. Calcium, as an element, does not affect pH.   Normal Levels In seawater the level of calcium at normal specific gravity is 383ppm. If seawater is used at a lower specific gravity than normal, levels of calcium will be proportionally less. For freshwater aquariums please check appropriate text books, however all Aquasonic Water Conditioners have exacting amounts of calcium to suit designated species.   Calcium Build Up It is most important in both fresh and saltwater aquaria to set the levels of calcium when establishing the aquarium and then hold the appropriate levels by the addition, if necessary, of calcium in prescribed amounts. The use of shellgrit or coral rubble as a substrate or filter material can cause calcium levels to continually rise, to unacceptable levels.   Reef Aquariums A maximum level of 450ppm is recommended for Reef Aquariums. If the level is taken above this then Carbonate Hardness levels, the main reason for stable pH, may be affected. The calcium would precipitate the carbonate as calcium carbonate. Calcium is used by calcareous algae, corals and shellfish, so in some situations, levels may require constant replenishment.   To Set Calcium Levels In salt water, maintain levels with Aquasonic Ocean Nature Sea Salt. Normal specific gravity = 383ppm. Raise calcium in saltwater with Aquasonic Calcium-Sup. In freshwater, maintain levels with Aquasonic Water Conditioning Salts.   Directions for Use: To determine Calcium in Salt or Fresh Water. Read Instructions Carefully Before Use. The test kit has a dual range. Measurements can be made in steps of 25ppm or 50ppm.   Note: Seawater usually contains 350-450ppm of calcium.   To Test in 25ppm: Rinse a clean test tube several times in the water to be tested and fill to the 10ml mark. Add 1 level scoop of Reagent A and 4 drops of Reagent B. Shake until powder dissolves (about 1-2 minutes). Solution will turn bright red if calcium is present. Immediately add Reagent C a drop at a time, swirling to mix after each addition. Keep count of the number of drops until colour changes to the end point (see chart) and multiply this by 25 to give calcium in ppm.   To Test in 50ppm: Rinse a clean test tube several times in the water to be tested and fill to the 5ml mark. Add 1/2 scoop of Reagent A and 2 drops of Reagent B. Shake until powder dissolves (about 1 minute). Solution will turn bright red if calcium is present. Immediately add Reagent C a drop at a time, swirling to mix after each addition. Keep count of the number of drops until colour changes to the end point (see chart) and multiply by 50 to give calcium in ppm. *This colour chart provides a basic guide only. Colours may vary according to various water conditions.

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About Phosphates There are two types, Organic and Inorganic. The type we test for in aquaria is the Inorganic type, PO4. All living matter contains phosphorus but unfortunately organic phosphate can only be tested for in laboratories using sophisticated testing equipment.   The Effect of Phosphates In reef aquariums, levels of phosphates above 0.5ppm can adversely affect the growth of both hard and soft corals. It is recommended to keep phosphates at a maximum of 0.25ppm. In both fresh and saltwater aquariums phosphates above 0.5ppm can cause the growth of hair algae, blue green algae and other types of algae, including green water in ponds and lakes. A side affect of phosphate in saltwater aquarium, is the precipitation of calcium. There is no evidence that levels of phosphates affect the health of fish. High levels, say above 20ppm, may affect growth.   Where Phosphate Comes From The sources can be many and varied. Some tap water contains phosphates originating from agricultural run off or added by municipal water authorities to reduce levels of heavy metals. Some phosphates are a bi-product of fish waste or decaying algae. Some aquarium products e.g., pH adjusters, contain some phosphates. Most phosphate, however, comes from uneaten fish food due to over-feeding.   How to Reduce Phosphates The two considerations are: A) to reduce the level already present in the aquarium, use a Phosphate Sponge or similar. B) by changing some water in the aquarium. Take steps to stop the build up in the first place. If the tap water contains phosphates, filter before use with a Phosphate Sponge or use RO water. Do not over feed. Most important in controlling phosphates in any situation is to reduce the levels of waste or debris that may be present in the aquarium gravel or in silt behind rocks, coral etc. Change pre-filter or mechanical filters on a weekly or more frequent basis.   How to Determine Phosphate (as Inorganic Orthophosphate) in Salt or Fresh Water Rinse the clean test tube several times in the water to be tested. Fill the test tube to the 20ml mark with sample to be tested. Add 4 drops of Reagent A. If solution turns red, add Reagent B dropwise until colour disappears. If there is no colour evident after adding Reagent A go to step 4. Add 4 drops of Reagent B and mix. Add 2 drops of Reagent C and mix immediately. Wait one minute but no longer than five minutes after the addition of Reagent C to measure the colour intensity of the sample against the colour chart. Place the test tube on the white background of the colour chart, view vertically with the light behind you. The colour in the test tube is best viewed with natural light.   Note Be sure to cap all reagent bottles tightly. Reagent B is highly acidic and will cause skin irritation. If skin contact does occur wash immediately with cold water. After completion of the test, wash the test tube thoroughly as a previous test could influence the next one.

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Aquasonic Marine Start is the safe and easy way to start up a marine biological filter, before stocking an aquarium. As the biological filter systems used in marine aquariums develop, toxic conditions occur. Aquasonic Marine Start chemically induces these conditions into a filter system by creating ammonia and then nitrite conditions. This leads to the development of nitrifying bacteria. This bacteria attaches to the filtration medium, filtering the water to convert toxic ammonia and nitrite to less harmful nitrate. Use Aquasonic's Ammonia Test Kit and Nitrite Test Kit to monitor the levels.   Directions for Use: 1ml per 20L each day for 7 days. Avoid using activated carbon or other absorbent filtration until the nitrifying bacteria are established. Adequate circulation to ensure oxygen supply through the filter medium is essential. A spike ammonia will develop over the first 7-10 days. This will decrease when a population of Nitrosococcus sp. becomes established. Following this, a spike in nitrite will be observed over days 10-21. Once this spike decreases, a population of NItrococcus sp. has become established. When the nitrite reading is zero, the aquarium may be safely stocked. Please note times may vary according to water quality and conditions.   To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.

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Aquasonic Bio-Trace is an essential trace element supplement for marine aquariums. It contains a selection of trace elements found in natural seawater that are easily depleted within the confinements of a marine aquarium. Trace elements are essential for the health, growth and wellbeing of marine fish, corals and invertebrates. Use Aquasonic Bio-Trace weekly for best results.   Directions for Use: 1ml per 50L each week. Use no more than once a week and do not overdose. Treatment may begin when the aquarium is stocked but not before. Regular water changes must still be made. A water change of 25% or more per month is recommended. To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.

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For growth and vitality, Aquasonic Bio-Vit is a supplement containing many vitamins and amino acids, formulated to suit the requirements of marine life, especially corals, anemones and other invertebrates. The boost of amino acids and vitamins will enhance growth and vitality in all aquariums inhabitants. BIO-VIT provides marine aquariums with elements essential to protect and promote marine life. For strong aquarium inhabitants that flourish use Aquasonic Bio-Vit.   Directions for Use: For an established aquarium, 1ml per 50ml each week. For a new aquarium, 1ml per 10L of aquarium water. To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.

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Certain water conditions restrict the ability of saltwater to foam and this in turn limits the activity of protein skimmers to extract waste. Many factors could be at fault, from the calcium hardness of the water, excretions of certain inhabitants or the oil from a fish food.   Aquasonic Reefoam overcomes these foam inhibitors without affecting essential water quality parameters and creates ideal conditions for protein skimmers to remove waste.   Directions for Use: 5ml per 40L of water. More or less may be required according to the water conditions present. Aquasonic Reefoam is not harmful to inhabitants, however it should be used on a need to use basis. If a protein skimmer produces clean foam waste after using Aquasonic Reefoam, then the aquarium is clean. Aquasonic Reefoam should not be used in aquariums without a protein skimmer.

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Certain water conditions restrict the ability of saltwater to foam and this in turn limits the activity of protein skimmers to extract waste. Many factors could be at fault, from the calcium hardness of the water, excretions of certain inhabitants or the oil from a fish food.   Aquasonic Reefoam overcomes these foam inhibitors without affecting essential water quality parameters and creates ideal conditions for protein skimmers to remove waste.   Directions for Use: 5ml per 40L of water. More or less may be required according to the water conditions present. Aquasonic Reefoam is not harmful to inhabitants, however it should be used on a need to use basis. If a protein skimmer produces clean foam waste after using Aquasonic Reefoam, then the aquarium is clean. Aquasonic Reefoam should not be used in aquariums without a protein skimmer.

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Essential for all marine life. Aquasonic Calcium-Sup is used to raise the calcium level of a reef system, quickly and safely. One treatment raises the level by approx. 50ppm. Natural seawater contains calcium levels of 380ppm but this level however may be depleted in closed circuit aquaria. Calcium levels of around 400 to 450ppm encourage the growth of hard corals and coralline algae. Molluscs, crustaceans and some marine plants will also benefit.   Directions for Use: 5ml per 20L raises the calcium by approx. 50ppm. Before re-treatment test levels with an Aquasonic Calcium Test Kit. Treatment may be applied in smaller doses over several weeks if required. It is recommended that a water change of 25% or more per month be made. To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.

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Essential for all marine life. Aquasonic Calcium-Sup is used to raise the calcium level of a reef system, quickly and safely. One treatment raises the level by approx. 50ppm. Natural seawater contains calcium levels of 380ppm but this level however may be depleted in closed circuit aquaria. Calcium levels of around 400 to 450ppm encourage the growth of hard corals and coralline algae. Molluscs, crustaceans and some marine plants will also benefit.   Directions for Use: 5ml per 20L raises the calcium by approx. 50ppm. Before re-treatment test levels with an Aquasonic Calcium Test Kit. Treatment may be applied in smaller doses over several weeks if required. It is recommended that a water change of 25% or more per month be made. To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.

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Aquasonic Iodine-Sup is formulated for iodine deficiencies in reef systems. Iodine is essential for the wellbeing of zooxanthellae algae living symbiotically within soft corals and anemones. Certain other species of algae require iodine which is easily depleted by living organisms. Protein skimming may also deplete reserves.   Directions for Use: 1ml per 50ml each week. Do not overdose.More or less may be required according to stock load. Regular water changes must still be made as this is the best way of ensuring a correct balance of seawater constituents and a reduction of possible toxic build up. It is recommended that a water change of 25% or more per month be made.

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Essential for all marine life. Aquasonic Calcium-Sup is used to raise the calcium level of a reef system, quickly and safely. One treatment raises the level by approx. 50ppm. Natural seawater contains calcium levels of 380ppm but this level however may be depleted in closed circuit aquaria. Calcium levels of around 400 to 450ppm encourage the growth of hard corals and coralline algae. Molluscs, crustaceans and some marine plants will also benefit.   Directions for Use: 5ml per 20L raises the calcium by approx. 50ppm. Before re-treatment test levels with an Aquasonic Calcium Test Kit. Treatment may be applied in smaller doses over several weeks if required. It is recommended that a water change of 25% or more per month be made. To calculate approximate aquarium capacity: Multiply the length x width x water level height (in cm) and divide by 1,000 for litres.

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Aquasonic Iodine-Sup is formulated for iodine deficiencies in reef systems. Iodine is essential for the wellbeing of zooxanthellae algae living symbiotically within soft corals and anemones. Certain other species of algae require iodine which is easily depleted by living organisms. Protein skimming may also deplete reserves.   Directions for Use: 1ml per 50ml each week. Do not overdose.More or less may be required according to stock load. Regular water changes must still be made as this is the best way of ensuring a correct balance of seawater constituents and a reduction of possible toxic build up. It is recommended that a water change of 25% or more per month be made.

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