How does the Xepta Reef Balance work?
Why do we say it is a balanced additive?
Reef Balance is categorized as a balanced additive because it does not disrupt the ionic equilibrium of the aquarium. When utilized in a 1:3:1 ratio (1 part Calcium: 3 parts KH: 1 part Trace), it avoids the accumulation of sodium, chloride, or sodium chloride.
How does Reef Balance function?
The Ca Part and Trace Part of Reef Balance contain chlorides, as the reagents constituting these parts incorporate chlorides. The addition of chlorides to the water is crucial since ions like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, being positively charged, do not naturally exist in their ionized form and necessitate a negatively charged ion to form a stable molecule. The KH part consists of carbonates, which, like in the previous scenario, cannot be directly added and require a positively charged ion, such as sodium, to create stable molecules.
Corals incorporate calcium carbonate into their skeletons, and magnesium enhances the solubility of this element in seawater, as calcium carbonate is poorly soluble in water. Properly applying Reef Balance in the recommended proportion enables the provision of essential calcium carbonate for the growth of corals and invertebrates. As a by-product of the reaction forming calcium carbonate, sodium and chloride are produced, reacting to form sodium chloride (common salt). Reef Balance, being a well-balanced additive, introduces other salts (magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromine, etc.) in the same proportion. This ensures that there is no disproportionate increase in sodium chloride but a balanced rise in all salts present in the aquarium, leading to a minimal increase in aquarium salinity. This can be rectified every two months, depending on the aquarium type and consumption, by replacing a small amount of aquarium water with osmotic water.
After conducting 86 studies on the impact of different trace element concentrations on various coral species, considering the ideal proportions of trace elements based on their concentration in seawater, Reef Balance includes Carbonates, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium in accordance with these ideal proportions:
