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AquaLife Simple Science
Alkalinity Supplement
Ionically Balanced Formula
Formulated for Maximum Results
Preserving the correct balance of important chemical components of seawater is crucial to the long term success of every marine reef aquarium. Of primary importance to the survival of corals, mollusks and many other reef invertebrates is the supply of calcium and carbonate ions. Without these components in the correct ionic ratio, invertebrates cannot deposit calcium carbonate in their skeletons or shells. Because organisms extract calcium and carbonate ions from the surrounding water, regular supplementation is necessary to replenish these ions.
Every reef aquarium is different in terms of the kind and number of organisms living in it, and therefore the rate at which calcium and carbonate ions are removed from the water. It is therefore impossible to give all-inclusive instructions for using this or any other liquid supplement product. It is necessary to determine by means of water tests, the calcium concentration, alkalinity and magnesium concentration of the aquarium. Once this information is obtained, it is relatively easy to calculate the quantity of supplement to be added. Typical ocean surface values for these parameters are: Magnesium1280 ppm; Calcium 420 ppm; Alkalinity 2.5 meq/L (7 dKH).
Adjustment of the magnesium concentration should be done first. Unless magnesium is present in sufficient quantity, the addition of calcium and alkalinity supplements will simply result in chemical precipitation of calcium carbonate.
Formulated from high-purity ingredients, AquaLife Simple Science Alkalinity Part C contains no silicate, nitrate, phosphate or organic matter, and was designed by a professional biologist to be ionically balanced with AquaLife Simple Science Calcium Part B. Different brands of calcium and alkalinity supplements should not be combined, to avoid imbalances.
Adding one mL of this product per gallon will increase alkalinity by 0.526 meq/L, or 1.47 dKH or 26.3 ppm. Before beginning routine dosing, adjust the alkalinity to within the range of 7-11 dKH (2.5-3.9 meq/L). Do not exceed 1ml/10gal every other day without testing the water and following instructions below. Use with equal parts AquaLife Simple Science Calcium Part B. Do not mix products together. Add measured amount of product gradually, in an area of high water movement. This product may increase pH, which should be monitored.
Alkalinity adjustment dosage:
1. Measure the alkalinity of the aquarium in meq/L. 1meq/L = 2.8 dKH = 50 ppm
2. Decide how much you wish to increase the alkalinity. For example, if the aquarium tests 6 dKH and your target is 7 dKH, the difference is 1 dKH or .36 meq/L.
3. Multiply the amount of increase in meq/L desired by the number of net gallons in the aquarium.
4. Multiply the result from step three by 1.9 to obtain the number of milliliters of supplement to be added.
For routine dosing once tank parameters are in the correct range, add alkalinity supplement in an amount equal to the amount of calcium supplement added.
To convert milliliters to:
• teaspoons, divide by 5.
• tablespoons, divide by 15.
• fluid ounces, divide by 30.
• cups, divide by 240.
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