Basic HTML Version
41
AVAILABLE FROM
WORLD OF WATER
www.worldofwater.com
pump impeller and any air
intake devices as dirty intakes
will mean less air bubbles and
decreased performance. If you
use an external filter, change
chemical and mechanical
media frequently.
The benefits of
chemical media
Activated carbon and
phosphate removers have
been explained in other
sections of this magazine,
but nowhere is their use more
important than in marine
aquariums. Although not
harmful to fish, phosphate can
cause corals to recede and will
prevent the growth of desirable
algaes. Even minute traces of
phosphate will cause nuisance
algae to grow and may affect
more delicate corals.
To prevent this from
happening, we recommend
the use of RO water from the
start (which is relatively free
of nitrate and phosphate,)
and the use of a phosphate
removal resin at all times to
keep phosphate levels close to
zero. Ask in store for our range
of phosphate removers.
Activated carbon keeps
marine water pure and soaks
up any impurities. However,
prolonged use can soak up
some trace elements as well
so experts recommend short
exposure to a high-grade
carbon for best results.
Other
maintenance
The obvious one when
keeping a marine tank is the
need for regular algae wiping.
The well-oxygenated, brightly-
lit conditions of the marine
tank will make algae growth
rampant, and the front glass
may need wiping on a daily
basis. A strong algae magnet
is the best choice for regular
wiping, combined with a
metal scraper to tackle more
stubborn algae.
Live rock brings with it
desirable algae like pink and
purple coralline algae, and
lots of undesirable ones that
quickly take over. Many marine
keepers choose not to fight
it too much and let it grow
all over their powerheads,
pipework and the rear glass.
This helps to disguise any
equipment over time, and a
bright purple background can
look appealing and provide
a surface for coral polyps to
attach to.
Evaporation occurs in all
marine aquaria, especially
those with very bright lighting
and open tops. As water
evaporates, the tank water
becomes more and more salty,
so keep an eye on salinity.
RO water
RO stands for reverse osmosis
and is a way of purifying
tapwater. Water is pushed
through a membrane and the
resulting water is very pure,
free of nitrate, phosphate and
chlorine. RO water is perfect
for mixing with marine salt, and
is better for corals.
Top up evaporation
losses with RO water, and
supplements can be added at
the same time.
Buy RO water from your
local World of Water store.
●
Algae scraper
To help you remove
tough algae from
the front of your
aquarium.
REGULAR
TESTING
If you already keep fish, you will
be aware of the importance of
water testing. For freshwater
we check temperature and test
for ammonia, nitrite, pH and
nitrate. With marines we test for
those parameters too, but we
also check the salt levels using
a hydrometer and we test extra
parameters for reef tanks.
Corals not only need constants
like salinity, temperature and low
pollutants, they also need the
correct levels of trace elements
and minerals. Test for calcium,
magnesium, alkalinity and always
test that phosphate levels are low.
Test results will indicate
whether or not you need to add
supplements and if so, how
much. Adding supplements
is part and parcel of reef tank
maintenance for if levels of
calcium become depleted for
example, your corals will not be
able to grow.
The use of a good salt mix will
aid calcium, pH, alkalinity and
magnesium levels, and regular
water changes will help lower
nitrate and phosphate.
Neil Hepworth
Corals are
more sensitive
than fish and
need even
better water
conditions.
●
Phosphate
is a major problem
in marine aquariums. Salifert
phosphate killer gets rid of
phosphate.
●
Salifert test kits
enable
accurate and reliable testing of
marine water.
●
Tropic Marin
sea salt is a
synthetic salt blend that contains
all the essential minerals and
trace elements.