The Seachem Reef Carbonate Saltwater Conditioner for Aquariums is a highly concentrated (4,000 meq/L) blend of carbonate and bicarbonate salts designed to restore and maintain alkalinity in reef aquariums. Calcium and carbonates are required for the growth of all corals. If either becomes deficient, coral growth will stop, and coral health will rapidly deteriorate. To avoid this, add carbonates (Reef Carbonate) and calcium (Reef Advantage Calcium or Reef Complete).
Unlike competing products, Reef Carbonate is made with a combination of carbonate and bicarbonate salts. Reef Carbonate has a pK of approximately 9.0 in saltwater due to this salt blend (higher than competing products). The abundance of organics produced by reef inhabitants tends to force pH downward in a closed reef system, but the benefit of Reef Carbonate's higher pK is a stabilization of pH around 8.3-8.4. Because the formulations of competing products prevent them from making such a claim, pH will always fall below desirable levels for a reef aquarium.
Reef Carbonate, when used as directed, will not deplete calcium, magnesium, or strontium, which normally precipitate with increasing alkalinity. Reef alkalinity should be kept between 3 and 6 meq/L (8 and 17 dKH). Alkalinity should not fall below 2 meq/L.
Caution: Do Not Overdose. Excess alkalinity may enhance the loss of calcium, magnesium, and strontium. Do not directly mix with any calcium, magnesium, or strontium supplement. Best if calcium & carbonate additives are added on alternate days or at least 30 minutes apart
