Features
- Alkalinity supplement for saltwater aquariums
- 500ml (17 oz)
Description
Alkaline 8.3
Alkalinity, also referred to as carbonate hardness or buffering capacity,
is essentially a means of quantifying the stability of pH in a solution, such
as aquarium water. Alkalinity is of extreme importance in a marine aquarium,
owing to the manner in which it influences pH. In an aquarium, weak acids
formed by oxygen respiration and the decomposition of organic material gradually
deplete alkalinity. If left unchecked, the alkalinity drops below a critical
level and pH begins to fluctuate more wildly than is normally suggested (a
daily pH shift of +/-0.2 is normal in marine aquaria), causing stress to livestock.
Alkalinity is also depleted by reef-building organisms during the production
of aragonite (~60% carbonates by weight), and is therefore very important
for their rapid growth.
Maintaining the alkalinity in marine aquaria between 7 - 12 dKH (2.5 - 4.3
meq/L) will generally maintain pH within the desired range. The rate at which
alkalinity is depleted in a reef aquarium is determined by the stocking density
of reef-building livestock, type of lighting, rate of water circulation, and
other biological, physical, and chemical conditions; therefore, each aquarium
will have different requirements for the rate of alkalinity supplementation.
Once the rate of alkalinity depletion in the aquarium has been determined,
the proper dosing rate of this product can be easily calculated. It is recommended
that a quality salt mix with the proper (not augmented) alkalinity and concentrations
of major, minor, and trace elements be used to establish natural seawater
parameters in the reef aquarium, providing a stable ionic foundation on which
to build. For additional information on alkalinity and other important aspects
of marine chemistry for marine aquaria.
All Brightwell Aquatics liquid water care supplements are made with purified
water and high purity materials. We develop formulae for aquaria based on
empirical data, using observation and measurement rather than theory.
Instructions and Guidelines
Basic: Shake product well before using. Add product at the maximum rate of
5 ml (1 capful) per 30 US-gallons daily until the desired alkalinity is attained,
then dose daily or weekly as needed (see below) to maintain alkalinity between
7 - 12 dKH. When used in this fashion, 250 ml treats up to 1,500 US-gallons
(5,678 L).
Advanced: Determine the alkalinity in the aquarium using an accurate test
kit before supplementing. Shake product well before using. Each ml of Brightwell
Aquatics Alkalin8.3 will increase the alkalinity in 1 US-gallon (3.785 L)
of water by 3.1 dKH (1.1 meq/L). If the initial alkalinity in the aquarium
is below 7 dKH (2.5 meq/L), add this product at the maximum rate of 5 ml per
10 US-gallons daily until the desired alkalinity is attained, then dose daily
or weekly as needed (see below). For minor adjustments to alkalinity, add
5 ml (1 tsp) of Alkalin8.3 per 30 US-gallons of aquarium water as needed to
maintain the alkalinity within the proper range. Always try to maintain the
alkalinity within a range of +/-1 dKH. To determine the rate of alkalinity
depletion once the desired alkalinity has been acquired, measure the alkalinity
at the same time each day over a one- to two-week period. To determine the
daily dosing rate (preferable to weekly dosing) for alkalinity maintenance:
estimate the volume of water in the entire aquarium system; divide the daily
decrease in alkalinity by 3.1 (when measuring alkalinity by dKH; divide by
1.1 when measuring by meq/L); multiply this number by the volume of water
in the system to get the daily dosage required (ml) to maintain a stable alkalinity.
Daily dosing maintains a more stable alkalinity and pH (and a more natural
environment) than dosing weekly, in which the alkalinity spikes just after
dosing and then gradually decreases throughout the course of the week.
Note: If pH does not reach desired level when using this product as directed,
such as when gas exchange in the aquarium is insufficient, addition of a pH-increasing
product (i.e. Brightwell Aquatics pH+) may be required. Follow manufacturer’s
directions for using such a product regardless of which one is used.
Caution: Contains carbonate and bicarbonate salts; harmful if swallowed.
If swallowed: give water, get medical attention. May cause eye or skin irritation.
If in eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes, get medical attention. If on
skin, wash thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children. Not for human
consumption.
Guaranteed Analysis
Alkalinity (min) 11,760 dKH (4,200 meq/L)
Ingredients
Purified water, inorganic Bicarbonate, Carbonate, and Borate salts
