This program provides you with biologically balanced levels of foundation elements (Calcium, Carbonates and Magnesium), and ensures optimal water conditions for a sustainable, vibrant coral reef.

A successful coral reef aquarium depends on how well you maintain the water parameters which are the key to a stable coral environment. All of the elements found in natural seawater play a role in providing optimal water parameters, but some are more significant than others. These elements, the foundation of the reef environment, include the three major elements: Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Carbonates (CO3). All three have a major effect on water chemistry (pH stability, Alkalinity, ionic strength) and on many of the coral�s biological processes (skeleton formation, ions exchange, photosynthesis).
The foundation elements complement each other in the formation of coral skeleton. If not balanced correctly one of the elements will quickly limit healthy coral growth.

Reef Foundation A: Contains Calcium, Strontium, and Barium according to the ratios found in coral skeleton. Concentration: 1ml will raise the Ca level of 100 liters (25 gal) by 2ppm

Reef Foundation B (Alk): A complex of carbonate and other buffers present in seawater that maintain proper alkalinity and pH. Concentration: 1ml will raise the alkalinity of 100 liters (25gal) by 0.36 meq/l (1dKH)

Reef Foundation C (Mg): A blend of Magnesium salts. Concentration: 1ml will raise the Mg level of 100 liters (25gal) by 1ppm.

Reef Foundation A, B & C are available as liquid supplements in 500ml bottles and include a measuring cup for easy dosing.

1kg powder supplements are available for larger aquariums.

Reef Foundation ABC+: Contains Calcium, Strontium, Barium, Bicarbonates, Magnesium, Potassium, Boron, Iodine, and Bromine formulated according to the exact ratio found in the coral skeleton. This unique powder supplement simplifies the daily dosing of more than just the foundation elements, and is recommended for aquariums of up to about 300 liters / 75gallons.

These kits include individual test kits and the Reef Foundation Pro kit, which combines the 3 individual tests in one convenient kit. All of the foundation kits include analytical grade glass vials and an easy-to-use, high precision Titrator

This program provides the controlled nitrate & phosphate reduction that prevents nuisance algae and the fine control of Zooxanthellae populations that significantly affect coral growth rates and coloration.

NO₃:PO₄-X Contains a unique complex of carbons that are used by nutrient-reducing bacteria. Each carbon is utilized by different strains of microorganisms while maintaining the specific Carbon: Nitrogen: Phosphorus ratio required for each stage. The complex includes other organic bonded elements that are important stimulators in each stage of the reduction process. These metal and non-metals elements ensure steady bacterial propagation and complete nitrate reduction to nitrogen gas and the absorption and utilization of phosphate by the bacteria.

The fine control of the nitrate and phosphate levels provided by monitored dosing of NO₃:PO₄-X guarantees the gradual changes and accurate maintenance of the nutrient levels, preventing destruction of the zooxanthellae population that can cause UV shock and starvation of the corals.

Unlike some other low-nutrient regimes, correct use of NO₃:PO₄-X will maintain all of the beneficial micro fauna.

NO₃:PO₄-X is also recommended as a complete carbon source for use with carbon based de-nitrators.

NO₃:PO₄-X, available in 500ml and 1000ml bottles, also includes a measuring cup for easy dosing.

Red Sea�s Nitrate & Phosphate Pro Test Kits, with their easy-to-use colorimetric comparator and high accuracy, allow you to dose NO₃:PO₄-X properly and control algae nutrient levels. The Algae Control kit combines the two individual tests in one convenient kit.

Reduction methods	NO3 reduction	PO 4 reduction	Controlled reduction	Essential equipment	Technical comments
NO3:PO4-X	Yes	Yes	Yes	Protein skimmer	Researched and tested formula that includes all of the necessary elements for the balanced and controlled, long term reduction of both NO3 & PO4 without the need for reactors or replacement media.
VSV (Vodka + Sugar + Vinegar)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Protein skimmer	Rapid reduction of NO3 and PO4 however over the long term, a lack of essential elements will reduce effectiveness and may lead to the collapse of the bacteria population. System can produce H2S which is toxic for corals and fish.
Vodka or Ethanol	Yes	No	No	Protein skimmer	Rapid reduction of NO3 but does not reduce PO4. If not combined with additional PO4 reduction the N:P ratio will be disturbed leading to outbreaks of cyanobacteria. Over the long term a lack of essential elements will reduce effectiveness and may lead to the collapse of the bacteria population. System can produce H2S which is toxic for corals and fish.
De-Nitrators	Yes	No	No	De-nitrification reactor	Rapid reduction of NO3 but does not reduce PO4 . If not combined with additional PO4 reduction the N:P ratio will be disturbed leading to outbreaks of cyanobacteria. Carbon Systems: Inherently unstable and difficult to regulate. System can produce N2O and N2S which is toxic for corals and fish. Over the long term a lack of essential elements will reduce effectiveness and may lead to the collapse of the bacteria population. Sulphur Systems: Relatively low maintenance however they easily become clogged and can cause sudden pH drops.
NO3 / PO4 removers	Yes	No	No	Media reactor	Rapid but uncontrolled reduction of NO3 /PO4 that can easily cause stress to corals. Some products such as Zeolite/ Ferric Hydroxide ion exchangers typically release undesirable cations. Lower quality products may also release undesirable metals (Al, Fe).
Refugium	Yes	Yes	No	Refugium	Low maintenance but slow and uncontrolled NO3 /PO4 reduction. In the event of collapse of the algae population allelochemicals (toxins for corals) are released to the system.

This program consists of a 2 part formula, Reef Energy A & B, that provides the nutritional needs of all corals and other filter feeders.

Referred to as photosynthetic, most corals have a symbiotic relationship with Zooxanthellae algae, which provide around 85% of their nutritional requirements. The coral nutrition program is about providing the remaining 15% to the photosynthetic corals and the complete nutritional requirements for the so called non- photosynthetic corals such as Gorgonia or Sun Corals that do not have any Zooxanthellae.

Corals can�t move towards food or even bring the food to themselves so they digest any Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) that flows freely into their oral disc (about the size of a pin head) or gets absorbed through their soft tissue. On the reef the DOM comes from a wide range of organic sources such as the mucus from neighboring corals or bacterial flocks.

Contrary to popular beliefs, many traditional foods such as phytoplankton or non-marine zooplankton (artemia, rotifers etc) are at best only of marginal and indirect benefit to corals. Red Sea�s nutrition research focused on isolating the various DOM components from a variety of conventional and non-conventional food sources to create an easily digestible and highly nutritious DOM complex that:
� Provides all of the energy components that Soft, LPS, SPS and non-photosynthetic corals utilize for growth and coloration
� Gives the greatest energetic value after digestion
� Causes the least pollution to the water

Red Sea�s research also discovered that while there are some differences in the nutritional requirements between the different types of corals, the most significant differences were in low algae nutrient systems (e.g. when using Red Sea�s NO3:PO4-X) where increased amounts of coral nutrients are required to compensate for the lower supply of energy from the Zooxanthellae.

Reef Energy A is a unique formulation of carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids and suspended protein flocks which are available for direct consumption and absorption by the corals. The suspension of protein flocks promotes the micro bacterial fauna that naturally populates the coral tissue and will increase mucus production. Every component is utilized in the metabolic processes of coral protein production and soft tissue regeneration and therefore does not introduce any unnecessary organic material to the system. Reef Energy A stimulates extension of the polyps and soft tissue, helping the coral to optimize nutrient consumption by expanding its surface area for absorption.

[Note: The protein flocks consist of amino acids (tryptophan) and fatty acids that are produced naturally inside each bottle by a very light , alcohol free, aerobic fermentation process.]

Reef Energy B is a highly concentrated complex of vitamins & amino acids that were found to be the limiting factors in the nutritional demands of corals and other invertebrates. This complex replenishes the exact vitamins and MAA (marine amino acids) produced by Zooxanthellae. Vitamins are important precursors in the synthesis of chromo proteins while the amino acids are their building blocks.
All of the components of Reef Energy B come from marine sources and are emulsified in a unique medium that enhances their solubility and absorption of the vitamins and acids by the corals

Reef Energy A & B, available in 500ml bottles, also include a measuring cup for easy dosing. Reef Energy A&B can be mixed together directly before feeding however due to the various interactions between the components it is necessary to store them separately.

Provide the essential minor and trace elements that are part of the coral skeleton and soft tissue and are specifically important for SPS corals to display their natural pigments.

Red Sea's research has identified 31 minor and trace elements that, in addition to the foundation elements, are present in coral's skeleton and soft tissue. The Coral Colors supplement family divides these elements into four groups (Coral Colors A, B, C & D), with that are related by the biological functions they perform and are also associated with the production of specific color pigments in the soft tissue of stony corals. These pigments can be produced only if the specific elements required for the bio-chemical process are available in the correct concentration. All stony corals require all of these 31 elements, irrespective of the actual color the coral displays

Coral colors supplements have been formulated such that the ratio of the elements in each supplement is the same as that found in the skeleton and soft tissue of corals. Our research has identified a constant ratio between each of the Coral Colors and the overall consumption of calcium, which is proportional to coral growth and metabolic activity. This provides a simple and safe method, based on a measured calcium uptake, of dosing all color supplements.

Coral Colors A, B & C each contain a leading element (Iodine, Potassium and Iron) that is accurately measurable with Red Sea's unique Coral Colors Pro test kits. For more advanced LPS and SPS aquariums, Coral Colors A, B & C can be dosed precisely, in accordance to the reef's total demand for these elements.

Coral Color A: A complex of halogens (Iodine, Bromine and Fluorine). The halogens act both as antioxidants and oxidative agents within the soft tissue and mucus layer of corals, reducing the possibility of coral bleaching. In active reef systems, these elements are depleted quickly due to their high oxidative abilities and reactivity with organic materials. Iodine and bromine are related to the pink chromo-protein (pocciloporin)

Coral Color B: A complex of Potassium and Boron. Potassium plays an essential role in the transportation of coral nutrients within the soft tissue (including the nutrients provided by the Zooxanthellae). Potassium and Boron significantly affect the alkalinity of a coral's soft tissue and the formation of aragonite in its skeleton. Potassium is related to the red chromo-proteins.

Coral Color C: A complex of 8 "light" metals that includes Iron, Manganese, Cobalt, Copper, Aluminum, Zinc, Chrome and Nickel. These micro-elements are essential to many bio-chemical metabolic processes, including respiration, production of energy, chlorophyll and photosynthetic catalysts. C elements are related to the green/yellow chromo-proteins.

Coral Color D: A complex of 18 trace elements. These 18 elements (out of all the trace elements in NSW) participate in the metabolic processes inside a coral's skeleton and soft tissue. D elements are related to the blue/purple chromo-proteins.

All Reef Colors Supplements are available in 500ml bottles and include a measuring cup for easy dosing.