Basic elements

Basic Elements

The Basic Elements category includes the three fundamental parameters of the mineral cycle in a reef aquarium: calcium, carbonate hardness (KH), and magnesium... Their balance ensures optimal coral growth, pH stability, and the strength of the coral skeleton.

Operating Principles

Calcium (Ca): essential for the formation of the coral skeleton, it combines with carbonates to produce calcium carbonate.
Carbonate Hardness (KH): a chemical buffer for water, it maintains stable pH and provides the bicarbonates necessary for calcification.
Magnesium (Mg): a regulator of the calcium/carbonate balance, it prevents undesirable precipitations and promotes calcification.

Advantages

Rapid coral growth: provides the basic materials for the skeleton.
pH stability: KH ensures excellent buffering capacity.
Chemical balance: magnesium prevents precipitations and maintains optimal ratios.
Simplified management: dedicated Balling Light or Elementals systems for continuous and precise supply.

Usage Recommendations

Test daily or weekly for Ca (420–440 mg/L), KH (6.5–8.5 °dKH), and Mg (1,300–1,350 mg/L).
Use a Balling Light system programmed for 6–8 hours per day for a continuous supply of Solutions A (Ca) and B (KH), supplemented by Solution C (trace elements).
As a complement or alternative, dose with Elementals: 1 mL per 100 L per day (adjust according to consumption).
Perform a partial water change (10–20%) weekly with a professional enriched marine salt to maintain baseline levels.
Monitor consumption with a picometer or monthly ICP to refine the supplementation protocol.