Red Sea Test Labs Master Reef Lab

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Red Sea Test Labs Master Reef Lab


Nitrate
Why Test For Nitrate?
Nitrate (NO3-) is produced in the aquarium by the biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into nitrate. A high nitrate level indicates a buildup of fish waste and organic compounds, resulting in poor water quality and contributing to the likelihood of fish disease. Excessive nitrate also provides a nitrogen source that can stimulate algal blooms. In the opinion of many aquarists, maintaining a low nitrate level improves the health of fish and invertebrates.
Nitrate Test Instructions

1. Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
2. Vigorously shake the Nitrate Reagent A for at least 30 seconds and then add 5 drops to the test tube.
3. Then add 5 drops of Reagent B.
4. Then add 8 drops of Reagent C.
5. Cap the test tube and shake gently for one minute.
6. Wait 5 minutes for the color to develop, shake again.
7. Compare the color with the color scale by holding the test tube in a vertical position, about 2" from a white background.
8. Read off the ppm value on the right hand LOW RANGE side of he color scale that is closest to the sample in the test tube.
9. Rinse the test tube with clean water after each use.

Phosphate
Phosphate is regularly introduced into the aquarium through fish waste and the decomposition of fish food. While nontoxic for fish, high phosphate levels will promote the growth of undesirable algae, which will compete with more delicate marine animals and adversely affecting the appearance of your aquarium. Excess phosphate is removed by partial water changes with phosphate-free water. Regular testing for phosphate will guide you as to when these essential water changes should be made.
Why Test for Phosphate?
Phosphate enters your aquarium fish and invertebrate waste, and decaying organic matter, such as dead algae or uneaten fish food. Water treatment facilities may add phosphate to tap water to prevent pipe corrosion and reduce concentrations of heavy metals in drinking water. Unnecessary phosphate may cause an undesirable cloud or tint in aquarium water. In saltwater aquariums, phosphate precipitates dissolved calcium and magnesium ions, inhibiting the growth of hard corals and other reef-building organisms.
Phosphate Test Instructions

1. Fill the test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the test tube).
2. Add 6 drops from Phosphate Test Solution Bottle #1 to the test tube, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to ensure uniformity of drops.
3. Cap the test tube and vigorously shake the tube for 5 seconds. Do not hold finger over open end of the tube as this may affect the test result.
4. Add 6 drops from Phosphate Test Solution Bottle #2 to the test tube, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to ensure uniformity of drops. Bottle #2 has a very thick solution and may require increased pressure while squeezing to release drops.
5. Cap the test tube and vigorously shake the tube for 5 seconds. Do not hold finger over open end of the tube as this may affect the test result.
6. Wait 3 minutes for the color to develop.
7. Remove the cap from the test tube and while holding it over a white background on the test strip (included), compare the color of the sample with the colors on the test strip.

Calcium
Calcium is an essential component in the skeletons of corals and, therefore, is constantly depleted from the aquarium. To promote healthy coral growth a natural level of calcium must be maintained. Test weekly.
Why Test for Calcium?
Monitoring calcium levels is essential for keeping a successful reef aquarium. Reef organisms use calcium to build a calcium carbonate skeleton. Over time, as the calcium in the water is utilized, the calcium level will gradually drop. Calcium must be present for corals to grow. Even reef invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and encrusting algae, require calcium to grow and remain healthy. The calcium level drops as it is used by invertebrates or as it reacts with excess phosphate. Elevated phosphate precipitates calcium, rendering it unavailable to reef organisms. Phosphate enters the aquarium from tap water and as a byproduct of fish and invertebrate metabolism.
Calcium Test Instructions

1. Rinse a clean test tube with water to be tested.
2. Fill the test tube to the line on the test tube with the water being tested.
3. Holding the bottle vertically, add 19 drops of Calcium Test Solution #1 to the test tube, cap the test tube, and shake for 10 seconds.
4. Shake calcium Test Solution #2 bottle vigorously for 10 seconds,
5. Holding the bottle vertically, add Calcium Test Solution #2 drop by drop to the test tube until the solution changes from pink to the blue end-point.
6. Be sure to count the drops added.
   • A pink color should form after the first drop.
   • If a blue color forms after the first drop, the calcium concentration is 20 mg/L or below.
7. As the end point is approached, the color will usually change from pink to purple before finally changing to blue.

Red Sea Success Supplements
Success Calcium Supplement
In the reef aquarium, a constant high calcium level is required to promote the growth of hard corals. This element should be supplemented regularly since it is used up very fast by the growing corals and the calcareous algae. Success Calcium will not affect pH and alkalinity (buffering capacity) of your aquarium. Just a small amount will raise the calcium level considerably. This product contains only natural components in a balanced composition that will not disturb the anion balance of the seawater, even after prolonged use. Calcium should be supplemented in combination with weekly 10% water changes.
Directions:
Shake well before use.
Use only in aquariums established for a minimum of three months. Make sure the aquarium has sufficient light.
Dosage:
To raise the calcium level by 50 ppm:
Add three teaspoons for each 10 gallons of aquarium water. It is recommended to add this amount over a four day period.
To maintain a stable level of calcium:
Add 1 teaspoon for each 60 gallons of aquarium water, per week.
Success Strontium
Although only a minor trace element in seawater, strontium is essential to the building of calcareous skeletons, shells or corals, mollusks, and many other invertebrates. Strontium is one of the elements constantly extracted from seawater by reef-building organisms and should therefore be added regularly, along with calcium, molybdenum, and trace elements. To maintain and stimulate coral growth, use regularly in conjunction with weekly 10% water changes.
Directions:
Shake well before use:
Do NOT add directly to aquarium. Add correct dosage to fresh water, used to compensate evaporation (top off water), stir, and add gradually to your filter sump. Dosage:
Add 1 teaspoon for each 60 gallons of aquarium water.

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part 2


Success Molybdenum
Molybdenum plays a vital role in the biology of many marine invertebrates, filter bacteria, and seaweed. Among other functions, it is an essential component of certain enzymes produced by the above-mentioned organisms. Regular dosing of this element is vital for the long-term health of the reef aquarium ecosystem. Molybdenum is one of the elements constantly extracted from seawater and should therefore be added regularly, along with calcium, strontium, and trace elements.
To maintain and stimulate coral growth, use regularly in conjunction with weekly 10% water changes.
Directions:
Shake well before use.
Do NOT add directly to aquarium. Add correct dosage to fresh water, used to compensate evaporation (top off water), stir, and add gradually to your filter sump.
Dosage:
Add 1 teaspoon for each 60 gallons of aquarium water per week.
Success Iodine
The trace element iodine plays a very important role in the life cycle of invertebrates (especially soft corals and crustaceans), fish, and seaweed. Iodine is rapidly depleted from aquarium water through protein skimming - and at a faster rate if ozone is applied.
Success Iodine is formulated for weekly use to avoid iodine deficiency in the marine aquarium. Soft corals will show improved growth and optimal extension.
Directions:
Shake well before use.
Dosage:
Add 1 teaspoon for each 60 gallons of aquarium water per week.
Success Trace
The trace elements found in natural seawater play a vital role in the life cycle of both animals and plants. A deficiency of trace elements results in poor growth of invertebrates and macro algae. Success Trace is scientifically formulated for weekly use to replace trace elements used up in the aquarium. Use in conjunction with regular weekly 10% water changes.
Success Trace contains the following: I, Mo, Zn, V, As, Ti, Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Se, W, Ge, Ag, Bi, Sb, Sn, Nb, Be, Au, In, Y.
Directions: Shake well before use.
Use only in aquariums established for at least 3 months.
Dosage:
Add 1 teaspoon for each 60 gallons of aquarium water per week.
Success Green
Minor and trace elements for marine algae
Success green is a scientifically formulated enrichment solution containing minor and trace elements, iron, and manganese to stimulate and maintain the growth of desirable macro algae like Caulerpa and Halimeda species These algae not only improve the aesthetic aspects of the marine aquarium, they also play an important role in maintaining a stable aquarium ecosystem by removing nitrate and phosphate. These algae also produce oxygen and secrete vitamins into the aquarium water. Success Green does not contain nitrate or phosphate.
Directions: Shake well before use.
Use only in aquariums established for at least three months.
Make sure the aquarium has sufficient light.
Do NOT over dose. Dosage:
Add 1 teaspoon for each 60 gallons of aquarium water per week