Chemical composition of Component 1 2 3 is based on the method developed by H. Balling. The formula has been fine tuned in our lab and enriched with trace elements that are fundamental for maintaining marine aquarium organisms in good form. As a result we have composed 3 fluids that are intended for dosing in equal amounts on regular basis. Component 1 2 3 is designed to fulfil coral demands not only in terms of Magnesium and Calcium, but also in terms of other elements which require careful and systematic dosing, but are notoriously difficult to assess.
Dosage: needs to be adjusted according to the consumption of macro-nutrients, and based on critical water parameters like Calcium, Magnesium and KH. If one or two parameters are still not balanced- we recommend to continue with administering equal doses of each component, and take advantage of one of our additives (Calcium, Magnesium, KH Buffer) to restore desired level(s).
In order to maintain adequate amount of trace elements in aquarium water, both Magnesium and Calcium levels need to be within recommended range (Ca 380-460 ppm, Mg 1180-1460 ppm).
Typical aquarium with average number of hard corals requires approximately 25ml of each component per 100 l (27 US gal) of water daily.
Component 1 contains: Ca, Sr, Ba, Co, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr. (Component 1 contains 18 000 ppm Ca. 25 ml dissolved in 100 l/27 US gal raises Ca by 4,5 ppm).
Component 2 contains: NaHCO3, F, I. (Component 2 contains 2 500 dkh/l. 25 ml dissolved in 100 l/27 US gal raises KH by 0,65 dKH (Alk: 0,23 meq/l)).
Component 3 contains: Mg, Reef Mineral Salt, K and B. (Component 3 contains 3 300 ppm Mg. 25 ml dissolved in 100 l/27 US gal raises Mg by 0,38 ppm).
Component 3 contains Reef Mineral Salt which is necessary for stabilization of aquarium parameters. How does Reef Mineral Salt work?
So why must we dose this components in equal amounts?
Component 1 contains Calcium Chloride Sr, Ba, Co, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr
Component 2 contains Sodium Bicarbonate F, I
Component 3 contains Magnesium chloride and NaCl free salt K, B
The Calcium from Component 1 binds with the Carbonate from Component 2 creating Calcium Carbonate which is what corals are made of/need to grow. Then we have Sodium and Chloride making Sodium Chloride and the more we are dosing, the more Sodium Chloride we have in our water. This is when the NaCl free salt from Component 3 comes into play, binding with it and maintaining the ionic balance. When the dosing is not being done in same amounts then ions are not binding properly with each other and true Balling Method is not in place.
So how do we start dosing Component 1 2 3 ?
First STOP ALL dosing of Calcium, Magnesium and Alkalinity.
Then for a few days test these parameters at around the same time every day.
Example 100 US gal tank:
Day 1 dKH 9.0
Day 2 dKH 8.7
Day 3 dKH 8.4
Day 4 dKH 8.1
Day 5 dKH 7.8
So the results are telling us that the daily consumption of alkalinity is 0.3. You can go to the AF calculator (www.aquaforest.eu/afcalcen) this shows that you should dose 44 ml to raise Alkalinity by 0.3. Now I would start with 1/4 or 1/2 of the dose. Test your water constantly, increase the dosing slowly until your parameters stay balanced.
