Red Sea’s research into the metabolic demand of SPS, LPS & soft
corals has identified 27 minor and trace elements that in addition to
the foundation elements are present in the skeleton and soft tissue of
all corals. These elements are known as important bio-catalysts in
thousands of metabolic processes in marine organisms and therefore must
be readily available in all reef aquariums.
Many of them however become toxic in concentrations above the levels
found in natural sea water and therefore their correct dosage is crucial
to the long term success of any reef aquarium.
Our research has identified 4 distinct groups of elements with
similar biological functions as well as a direct connection to specific
coral pigments that enabled the division of the 27 elements into the 4
supplements Reef Colors A, B, C & D. Reef Colors supplements have
been formulated such that the ratio of the elements in each supplement
are the same as are found in the combined coral skeleton and soft
tissue.
All of the Reef Colors should be supplemented regularly to all LPS
and SPS aquariums without connection to the colors of the specific
corals or whether the water parameters (levels of foundation elements
and algae nutrients) are set for enhanced coloration or accelerated
growth.
Enhanced Coloration
In reef aquariums corals often have higher than natural populations
of Zooxanthellae algae that give a deep brown tint obscuring the natural
vivid pigments of the corals. Lowering the Zooxanthellae populations by
fine control of algae nutrients (such as with Red Sea’s NO3:PO4-X) will
remove the brownish tint and induce the production of pigments
(chromoproteins) that protect the delicate inner layers of the coral
soft tissue from intense UV radiation, similar to the tanning of human
skin when exposed to direct sunlight.
Our research has shown that the pigments can only be produced by the
soft tissue of the coral if the specific elements required for the
bio-chemical process are available in the correct concentration. Each of
the natural pink, red, green/yellow & blue/purple pigments are
connected with specific elements that correlate with the elemental
grouping of the Reef Colors A, B, C & D.
Dosing by total elemental demand
Reef Colors A, B & C each contain a leading element (Iodine,
Potassium & Iron) that is accurately measurable with Red Sea’s
unique Reef Colors Pro test kits enabling the replenishment of each of
these supplements according to the total demand of the reef.
Dosing by calcium (coral growth) demand
Our research also identified a constant ratio between each of the
Reef Colors and the overall consumption of calcium, which is
proportional to coral growth and metabolic activity. Therefore, by
measuring the uptake of calcium by the corals we are able to replenish
all of the elements that have definitely been depleted from the water by
the corals, without the danger of reaching toxic levels.
This method of dosing should be used for supplementing Reef Color D
and can be applied successfully to Reef Colors A, B, & C.
Reef Colors Complete
Red Sea’s Reef Care Program
The complete Reef Care program is the result of years of research
into the physiological demands of SPS, LPS & Soft Corals in the reef
aquarium. The complete program has been divided into 4 distinct but
complimentary sub-programs according to the various biological processes
that take place.
In addition to the Reef Colors program, which is fully described
below, the complete Reef Care program also includes the following:
Reef Foundation – Provides biologically balanced levels of the
foundation elements (calcium, carbonates and magnesium) that ensure the
optimal water conditions for a sustainable, vibrant coral reef.
Algae Control Program – Controlled nitrate & phosphate reduction
that prevents nuisance algae and provides the fine control of
Zooxanthellae populations that significantly affect coral growth rates
and coloration.
Reef Energy – Provides the carbohydrates, vitamins and amino acids that fuel all metabolic processes of corals.
For optimal results you should implement the complete program.