Aquarium Water Additives

Aquarium Water Additives

An Aquarium is a mini ecosystem in itself, which encloses different type of life forms within its confines. It is therefore, important that the quality of water, its hygiene level, nutrition level, etc., all are at the desired level. Aquarium Water Additives are one of the steps directed towards the maintenance of an aquarium. As the name suggests, Aquarium Water Additives are beneficial water-soluble chemicals that are dissolved in the aquarium water for its upkeep. Fresh Marine brings to you a wide range of quintessential and effective Aquarium Water Additives. The ensuing discussion deals with these.

Algae Accelerator. As the name suggests, an Algae Accelerator is one of the Aquarium Water Additives that helps establish favorable aquatic environment for beneficial (usually Coralline) Algal growth in an aquarium. An Algae Accelerator tunes the pH level of the aquarium water, and the electrolytes & the minerals balance in it. All this equilibrium attained by these Aquarium Water Additives promotes the development of algae present in the tank. Coralline Algae is a beneficial, Calcium rich Alga that checks undesirable algal growth in an aquarium and helps attain a stable growing environment in it. Moreover, owing to their colorful body, they also add vibrant hues to the aquarium, thereby enhancing the tank’s visual appeal. Therefore, it is important that an Algae Accelerator is introduced in an aquarium to promote the growth of Coralline Algae present therein. It is important to note that your aquarium must already have some living Coralline Algae on its glass and/or rocks. This Aquarium Water Additive catalyzes the growth of already existing algae. It does not produce algae.

Products. Purple Up by CaribSea.

Aquarium Plant Supplement. Aquarium plants play several important roles in sustaining the animal life in a marine tank. Apart from providing shelter to many, aquarium plants also help aerate the tank and check the level of CO2 in the water by utilizing the same in Photosynthesis and releasing fresh Oxygen in exchange. Aquarium plants also establish Nitrogen Cycle in the tank, which helps recycle wastes into harmless and at times useful substances. Overall, aquarium plants are necessary in a Marine Tank for the health of its inmates. Therefore, in order to keep aquarium environment pure and supportive, it is important that these plants also stay healthy. Aquarium Plant Supplements are one such move in the direction, which nourish the plants with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Manganese, and Nitrates.

Products. Leaf Zone Aquarium Fertilizer by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals; Nutrafin Plant Gro Fertilizer, Nutrafin Plant-Gro NPK Aquatic Plant Fertilizer, Nutrafin CO2 Natural Plant System, all three by Hagen; Plant Grow from Laguna Ponds; and Flourish Nitrogen by Seachem.

Aquarium Water Treatment. As your aquarium houses several types of aquatic lives, biological waste release in the aquarium water will be an integral aspect of their upbringing. This is where aquarium maintenance comes into picture and Aquarium Water Treatment is one-step in the direction. Aquarium Water Treatment involves using chemicals to keep the water quality high for the sustenance of healthy animals in your aquarium. Aquarium Water Treatment involves the use of three broad categories of chemicals. Primarily, the chemicals used to remove Chlorine, Ammonia, Copper, and other Heavy Metals, from the water prior to introducing it in the tank. Next step helps towards striking the desired pH, GH (General Hardness), and KH (Carbonate Hardness) combination. The final standard treatment helps in the usual aquarium maintenance, which heads towards removing the infections, parasitic & undesirable algal growth, water contaminants, chemical imbalance, etc.

Calcium Kalkwasser. Calcium is a much-needed element in a Marine or Reef Aquarium, as Corals need it for their growth and development and to stay attached to their exoskeleton. This Calcium gap is well fulfilled by one of its best supplement forms, Calcium Kalkwasser, which contains Calcium Hydroxide and a type of Calcium, known as Pure Calcium. Calcium Kalkwasser raises the pH and KH/alkalinity levels of the aquarium water to keep these parameters to the desired levels, which are otherwise disturbed due to evaporation.

Products. Precision Kalkwasser by Blue Life; Kalkwasser Mix, Liquid Calcium, Turbo Calcium, Liquid Reactor, and Tech CB, all five from Kent Marine; Reef Advantage Calcium & Reef Kalkwasser, both by SeaChem; and AragaMilk by CaribSea.

Ammonia Chlorine Removers. With life happening in an aquarium, release of Nitrogenous wastes, including Ammonia, in aquarium water is a normal phenomenon. Chlorine reaches an aquarium, usually mixed in tap water employed for filling an aquarium. Now, excess of Ammonia and Chlorine in aquarium water can kill the Fish and the Beneficial Bacteria present in Bio-Filters in an aquarium. To regulate the rising Ammonia and Chlorine in the tank water, Ammonia Chlorine Removers are “the” product to use.

Products. Ammonia Detox & Pro Tech Coat Marine, both by Kent Marine; AmQuel Ammonia/Chloramine Remover, Aquarium NovAqua Plus Water Conditioner, & AmQuel Plus + Additive, all three by Kordon; Prime & StressGuard, both by Seachem (also develops the protective Slime Coats on the aquarium animals); Ammo-Lock & Tap Water Conditioner, both by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals; Nutrafin Aqua Plus Water Conditioner w/ P.H.E. & Nutrafin African Cichild Conditioner, both by Hagen; and AquaSafe with BioExtract for Aquariums/Ponds & Ammonia Detox, both by Tetra.

Coral Supplements. Vitamins and Trace Minerals have a special role in the proper growth, development, and the health of Corals. These Trace Minerals, however, are lost from the system due to Protein Skimming, Ozone, and Carbon Filtration, while Marine Fish and Invertebrates consume some of the Biological Trace Elements. This nutritional gap is filled by Coral Supplements, which are added to the Marine Aquarium water containing Corals, to increase the level of essential organic nutrients and elements in it. In effect, Coral Supplements benefit the health of Corals in an aquarium. Moreover, these Coral Supplements restrict the growth of unwanted algae, while also decomposing the organic waste. Therefore, Coral Supplements work towards conditioning the aquarium water containing Corals, to match it to the naturally occurring levels. Fresh Marine offers a variety of effective Organic Coral Supplements, which employ only a minimal quantity of preservatives.

Products. Aquarium Reef Solution by Ecosystem; Coral Accel, Coral-Vite, Essential Elements, & Zoe Marine Vitamins, all four by Kent Marine; Organics Coral Boost, Coral Vital, Reef Vital DNA, & Spectra Vital, all 4 by Marc Weiss; and Reef complete & Reef Trace both by Seachem.

Iodine Iodide Supplements. Iodine and Iodide have a special significance for the members of a Reef or a Marine Aquarium. They enhance the coloration in Corals, Tridacna Clams, and Anemones, while also keeping them healthy. The Marine Invertebrates in an aquarium, as a standard, get it from the salt mixes in the water. However, this Iodine is soon consumed by the aquarium, and Protein Skimmers, Ozone, & Aquarium Filtration then further eliminate it from the system. It therefore gets vital that the aquarium members are supplied with the Iodine Iodide Supplements to fill up the generated Iodine gap. These supplements enable the bio-available forms of Iodine and Iodide to the tank inmates, which apart from delivering the other health and color benefits, also aid in full Coral Polyp expansion.

Products. Super Iodine, Lugol’s Solution, and Tech I – Iodine Supplement, all 3 by Kent Marine; Reef Iodide by Seachem; and Lugol’s Solution by Blue Life.

Iron Manganese Supplements. Iron and Manganese are vital for the proper growth and development of Marine or Reef Aquarium animals. Though Iron reaches aquarium through salt mixes, but this Iron is soon exhausted by the system, especially catalyzed by Kalkwasser, and is then eliminated via Precipitation and Oxidation. Low Magnesium levels in aquarium water may dip its pH, while also causing Calcium Deficiency.

Products. Iron & Manganese & Tech M, both by Kent Marine; and Reef Advantage Magnesium & Marine Trace, both by Seachem.

Nitrate Removers. Usually a support to Biological Filters, Nitrate Removers hold beneficial Nitrifying and Denitrifying Bacteria that help decompose harmful Nitrites & Ammonia, present in a tank. Ammonia level in aquarium water gets high when its inmates release it as a toxic Metabolic Waste, or when it is generated for edible consumption, or when it is a by-product of the decomposition of Organic substances. The Nitrosomonas Bacteria, present in the aquarium, act on this toxic Ammonia to convert it into harmful Nitrite (NO2). Nitrobacter Bacteria then acts on this NO2 to further convert it to comparatively less toxic Nitrate (NO3). This whole process is called Nitrification.

Now, Nitrate Removers hold beneficial Nitrifying and Denitrifying Bacteria in their fine granules. The fineness of these Nitrate Removers facilitates the large surface area and high contact time, resulting in optimal Denitrification of the system quickly. The Beneficial Bacteria, present in Nitrate Removers, pull the dissolved Ammonia & Nitrite to decompose them into simpler, relatively non-toxic substances. In effect, after processing, the Nitrate Removers leave the aquarium water cleaned, and aerated, for the benefit of life therein.

Products. Nitrate Sponge by Kent Marine; Nitra-Zorb & Ammo-Carb, both by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals; and De-nitrate by SeaChem.

Phosphate Remover. Phosphate is a naturally occurring element and is one of the basic building blocks of all the living cells, including some undesirable ones, such as, unwanted algae in an aquarium. Reef Aquariums house excessive Phosphate and Silicates, which may result in unsightly, and disturbing, prolific algal growth there. Phosphate also reduces the aquarium levels of Calcium and Magnesium, important elements for the growth of Corals. Therefore, it is crucial that the extra Phosphate is removed from the aquarium water to maintain its correct level, a process well executed with the help of Phosphate Removers. Fresh Marine offers various user friendly Phosphate Removers, which also remove Silicates, while some of them even clearing the wastes of fish metabolism and decaying organic matters, present in the tank. You may use these Phosphate Removers constantly or occasionally, as needed.

Products. Phosphate Control by Blue Life; Phosphate Sponge by Kent Marine; PhosGuard by Seachem; Phos-Zorb by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals; Phos Buster Pro by CaribSea; and Phosphate Filter Pads & Phosphate Algae Pads, both by Tropical Science Labs.

pH / KH Buffers. It is important to keep a check on the pH and KH readings of aquarium water for the well-being of fishes therein.

pH Buffers. pH is a measure of degree of acidity in water by comparing the amount of Hydrogen and Hydroxide Ions present in it. More the quantity of Hydrogen Ions, higher the acidity of water, and lower its pH. Even a small change of pH can cause them breathing problem. In addition, high acidity can damage their Skin, Gills, and even Eyes.

Products. Precision pH Buffer by Blue Life; Marine Aquarium pH Buffer & pH Precise Low Range Controller by Kent Marine; Acid Buffer, Discus Buffer, Marine Buffer Raises & Maintains pH At 8.3, Neutral Regulator, & Reef Buffer, all 5 by Seachem; pH adjuster UP by Hagen Nutrafin; 3 in 1 Water Conditioner by Wardley; and Easy Balance with Nitraban by Tetra.

KH Buffers. KH or Carbonate Hardness is the measure, in degrees (dKH), of the ability of a solution to absorb and reduce the effect of added acid, without changing its pH. Carbonates (KH or Alkalinity), coupled with Trace Elements, Calcium, Strontium, and Magnesium, encourage the proper growth and the development of Coral & the beneficial Coralline Algae, while also stabilizing the pH of aquarium water. A right KH / Alkalinity level boosts the immunity of fish and other invertebrates present in your aquarium.

Products. Precision KH Buffer from Blue Life; Coral Builders, Probuffer dKH, & Superbuffer dKH, all 3 by Kent Marine; Alkaline Buffer, Reef Advantage Magnesium, Reef Builder, & Reef Carbonate, all 4 by Seachem; and pH Stabilizer (KH Booster) by Hagen Nutrafin.

Red Slime Algae Remover. Water, light, and nutrients available in the aquarium facilitate many life forms even the undesired one at times. Algae is one such mostly unintended yet one of the commonest incidence in an aquarium. Brown, Green, Red/Brush, and Blue-Green are the strains of undesirable algae that usually occur in an aquarium. Our subject of interest, Cyanobacteria, or Red Slime, or Blue - Green Alga, as it is commonly known, occurs in both, Marine and Freshwater Aquariums. Cyanobacteria are unicellular hybrid of plant & Bacteria that lives in huge colonies, and is sometimes called “Algae-Bacteria.” These ugly, floating algae may pose growth competition to the beneficial Coralline Algae, while also decreasing the visual appeal of the tank. It therefore, becomes necessary that these useless algal growths be eliminated from the aquarium, a process well realized through Red Slime Algae Removers.

Products. Red Slime Control by Blue Life; Poly Ox Red Slime Remover by Kent Marine; Algaefix & Algae Destroyer Advanced Liquid by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals; and Pond Algae Control by Tetra.

Salt Water. Salt Water, identified with Marine Water, contains high amount of salts dissolved in water, in fact saturated with salts. As is evident, Salt Water finds use in Marine Aquariums. Usually, these Salt Waters are collected from natural sources and are hygienically packed for safe use in Marine Aquariums.

Products. Blue Water by Blue Life.

Salt Mix. Salt Mixes are a blend of essential sea salts, which are dissolved in tap water to convert it into Marine Water in order to support marine fauna and flora in it. Right proportion of Salt Mixes in Marine Aquarium Water are key to providing the right environment for its inmates, even the most delicate ones, to spawn, breed, and grow. Now, a high quality Salt Mix is the one that is as near to the composition of natural seawater as possible, without much contamination (such as Phosphates, Nitrates, & Heavy Metals).

Products. Instant Ocean Salt by JBJ Lighting and Instant Ocean Salt by Aquarium Systems.

Stress Reduce Supplement. Stress Reduce Supplements, as the name suggests, are Aquarium Water Additives, considerably regulating most of the factors causing stress to aquarium inhabitants. Stress Reduce Supplements regulate this stress by keeping the aquarium, contaminants free. It does so by catalyzing the evolution of Biological Filtration process in Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums. In addition, Stress Reduce Supplements supply the nutrients and synthetic Slime Coats, essential for the proper growth & development, and injury healing of aquarium fishes and plants, along with helping them cope from stress. As a result, the life in your aquarium stays healthy and vibrant.

Products. Stress Zyme & Stress Coat, both by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, and Polyaqua Additive - Protective Slime Coat and Vitamin & VitaTrace Freshwater Additive, both by Kordon.

Strontium Supplements. Strontium is a minor element, which just like Calcium and next only to it, is required for the growth and maintenance of the skeleton of several aquatic invertebrates, especially Corals. Though requiring heavy caution in its administration, the right levels of Strontium in aquarium water is key to healthy tank inmates. To equip your aquarium’s water with this element, Strontium Supplements are something you need to resort to.

Products. Strontium & Molybdenum and Turbo Strontium, both by Kent Marine; and Reef Strontium by Seachem.

Water Clarifiers Treatment. Water Clouding due to Biological, Chemicals, or Particulates growth is a common problem in an aquarium. Water Clarifiers Treatment is one of the steps directed towards keeping the aquarium water clean. Water Clarifiers Treatment primarily cleans Biological Clouding, usually caused due to an overgrowth of beneficial Bacteria, owing to a sudden increase in Organic wastes from overfeeding or death of an inmate. Water Clarifiers Treatment removes all or most of the Cloudiness inducing organic wastes present in the aquarium water, leaving it clear, and disease free. Water Clarifiers Treatment also cleans the aquarium surface. In effect, the aquarium water is cleaned, and aerated, thereby establishing a stress free environment, benefiting the quality, and the health of the lives therein.

Products. Clean Equation Marine Clarifier, ProClear Freshwater Clarifier, & ProClear Marine Clarifier, all 3 by Kent Marine; Sea Clear Saltwater Clarifier by Kordon; Bio Chem Zorb, Pond Care Pond-Zyme Plus, & Accu-Clear Water Clarifier, all 3 by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals; Nutrafin Waste Control, Nutrafin Bio Care Turtle Clean & Nutrafin Cycle, all 3 by Hagen; PraziPro by Hikari Fish Food, Bio Sludge Control, Bio Booster, Phosphate Control, Water Prep, Clear Fast, & Water Conditioner Combo, all 6 by Laguna Pond; Clarity Water Clarifier by Seachem; Pond Auqrem Water Clarifier & Pond Sludge Reduce, both by Tetra; and Nitromax Marine, Nitromax Fresh Water, Marine Max, Immune Plus, Liquid Gravel Vac, & Marine Clean, all 6 by Tropical Science Biolabs.

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