DT's Pure Reef Elements

Providing all the ions needed for calcifying organisms maintained in reef aquariums. We use the highest grade of materials with the purity checked by (VTIR) spectrographic analysis for quality assurance.Available in 8 oz, 16 oz, 64 oz, 1 gallon & 5 Gallon sizes.

There are many calcifying organisms in reef aquariums. The ions that are taken up in the formation of calcium carbonate for coral skeletons, shells and coralline algae need to be replenished.

Calcium, bicarbonate and magnesium provide the ions needed to form calcium carbonate.
Because bicarbonate is difficult to test for, alkalinity is used as a substitute to test for bicarbonate levels.

Magnesium ions resemble calcium and are taken up as part of the calcium carbonate structure.  This has a very important effect; as magnesium changes the molecular appearance of the structure enough to stop the over precipitation of calcium carbonate.

Biological and abiotic formation of calcium carbonate:
There are two types of calcification that are happening in reef aquariums. First is the biological calcification that involves the processes by living organisms. The second form is abiotic calcification. This is a non-biological form of calcification that is caused solely by chemical reaction. 

Why is this important?
Calcium carbonate, without sufficient magnesium in the structure, attracts the formation of calcium carbonate at an accelerated rate. So wherever there is calcium carbonate, more will build up. As heaters and pump impellers become coated with calcium carbonate, it will rapidly thicken. Eventually, causing a coating that will be thick enough to impede the function of pumps and possibly clog plumbing.

Excessive precipitation of calcium carbonate adversely affects the ionic balance between calcium and bicarbonate, while causing a drop in pH.

Magnesium is the control.
Because magnesium “looks” like calcium, magnesium ions replace a percentage of the calcium ions that are taken up to form calcium carbonate. Magnesium changes the calcium carbonate structure enough to be a block, to stop the excessive abiotic precipitation of calcium carbonate.