ELEMENTALS F is a high purity fluoride solution used for compensating fluoride deficiencies in reef aquariums.
The Elementals series is designed for use with regular ICP analyses. The Fauna Marin ICP analyses help you to keep your aquarium perfectly supplied.
In addition to the measured values, Fauna Marin ICP analyses provide you with all necessary dosage recommendations. In addition to the salts of the macro elements calcium, magnesium and carbonate hardness, we also offer a number of special trace elements whose function is essential in saltwater aquaria.
In contrast to macro elements such as calcium, magnesium or potassium, trace elements are present in seawater in concentrations of less than 1 mg/l. These include, for example, copper, chromium, manganese or selenium, but also iron, iodine or zinc.
The function of trace elements can be very different. In the knowledge database on the Fauna Marin website you will find an overview of the respective function of the individual elements. Trace elements can be contained in many different substances and can therefore also enter the aquarium water; however, despite their low necessary concentration in the water, their deficiency can cause considerable problems. An adequate supply of all important trace elements is therefore indispensable for a healthy reef aquarium.
Fauna Marin's single element solutions consist of purest raw materials, which are produced with the appropriate organic or inorganic compounds depending on the function of the elements.
Fauna Marin ELEMENTALS How-to-Use
Additional Info:
Fluor is a highly reactive element and only occurs in seawater as fluoride. Like other halogens, it also plays a very important role in reef aquaria. In relation to iodine, fluorine should be present about 25 times higher (see relation values).
What is it?
Fluor is present in seawater as fluoride. This element cannot be detected by ICP analysis and must be measured separately by IC/ISE HSA. Fluorine is an essential element for corals. In addition to its inhibiting effect on bacteria and algae, it is important for growth of corals and the defence against parasites. Fluorine also has an effect on the blue colouration of many corals.
Problems:
A too low fluorine concentration shows itself in dull tissue, reduced growth, colourless growth peaks or growth edges in foliaceous growing corals (e.g. Montipora species) and partial light sensitivity. Furthermore, the animals become more susceptible to parasitic infestation. The skeleton softens considerably. At a Florine level under 0,8 mg/Liter (o,26gal) some SPS corals showed slow tissue necrosis from the base.
Measures:
Regular control of the fluoride value, if necessary adjustment of the dosage. Reduction by partial water change and adjustment of the dosage.
Indicator species:
Indicator species are Acropora tenuis as well as Montipora species with blue or green colour and blue margin. When the fluorine deficiency starts, the blue colouration decreases and growth stops. If the fluorine deficiency increases, the sensitivity of corals to parasites such as AEFW (Acropora eating flatworms) and Montipora snails increases.
The fluoride concentration in the aquarium should be between 1.2–1.9 mg/l (0,26 US.liq.gal.) and thus, as mentioned above, about 25 times higher than that of the equally important iodine. Values that exceed 2.2 mg/l (0,26 US.liq.gal.) in the long term, however, cause lasting damage to corals. Please note that 2.2 mg/l (0,26 US.liq.gal.) ultimately correspond to 2200 µg/l (0,26 US.liq.gal.), i.e. a multiple of what we generally have for trace elements.
Fluor is important for the calcification and thus for the growth of the coral. It increases the bonding strength of the coral skeleton. In the skeleton itself we find a proportion of 2–4 % Fluor. This element is incorporated here as sodium fluoride and as calcium fluoride, and these high-strength compounds give the coral skeleton greater hardness. But also in the vital coral tissue we find fluor compounds which, in combination with other elements, serve as protection against parasites and inhibit bacterial infections.
Supplementing fluoride has a brightening effect, as it inhibits excessive zooxanthellae growth. Overall, fluor also has a bacterial regulating effect and is a catalyst for other elements. The reason for this is probably the high oxidative effect and toxicity of fluoride. However, too high concentrations have a damaging effect on photic synthetic enzymes and also act against bacterial films. Therefore avoid overdosing.
