Encourages increased coloration through biochrome production in zooxanthellate corals, clams, and their allies.Overview:
- Provides numerous elements important to the formation of various
biochromes (biological pigments), complex molecules that give coloration
to plant and animal cells through their selective color-absorption and
-reflection characteristics.
- Formulated specifically to provide trace quantities of elements for
gradual incorporation into, and formation of, biochromes known to occur
within zooxanthellae, such as chlorophylls a and c, beta carotene, and
xanthophylls.
- Does not influence population density of zooxanthellae, which would
put the overall health and survival of the host organism in a precarious
situation.
- Formulated by a marine scientist.
Technical Background:In
many ways, aquarium husbandry may be thought of as an artistic
expression of the hobbyist in which living organisms are the figurative
colors on a painter’s canvas. Images of vividly-colored marine fishes
and invertebrates co-existing in reef ecosystems are the inspiration of
many marine aquarium hobbyists, and the acquisition (and maintenance) of
healthy, colorful corals and clams is a primary aspect of achieving the
desired appearance of a captive reef habitat. Much of the observed
coloration of corals, clams, and their allies, is attributable to
biological pigments created by symbiotic zooxanthellae residing within
their tissues. These pigments are termed “Biochromes”, and their
formation and perceived appearance are at least partially influenced by
the presence of trace elements that form the basis of more complex
molecules. Certain characteristics of the light source(s) used to
illuminate the aquarium will also influence the observed coloration of
an organism, however the actual coloration of the organisms will still
be primarily dictated by the pigments present, their ratios to one
another in the same tissue, and other physical, chemical, and biological
factors.
KoralColor
provides elements that are known to be incorporated into a number of
biochromes. Used as directed, KoralColor will provide elements that may
be utilized by captive marine organisms to enhance their coloration. It
is not intended for use as a general supplement for maintaining natural
seawater concentrations of elements for the purpose of satisfying
enzymatic and neurological requirements of aquarium inhabitants; for
this, use Brightwell Aquatics Replenish.
Instructions and Guidelines:Although
the tendency of many hobbyists may be to dose heavily in hopes of
obtaining “brighter invertebrates faster”, this product must be used as
directed below for maximum positive results. Do not overdose, as doing
so may be detrimental to the long-term health of the aquarium
inhabitants. Dose according to the following guidelines, and base the
specific dosage required for an aquarium on the total volume in the
entire system (including sump(s), water displacement by rock and bottom
substrate, etc.). The general purpose of providing the elements
incorporated into biochromes is not necessarily color change, but color
intensification. Because every aquarium presents different chemical and
biological conditions, the dosages provided above are intended as
general guidelines, to which the hobbyist should alter as the
requirements and appearance of the aquarium inhabitants dictate. We
encourage hobbyists to use this product responsibly and only as
directed.
Basic:
Add 1 ml (~20 drops) per 25 US-gallons (94.6 L) every three days
(alternatively, twice a week). If using the product in a particularly
small aquarium (e.g. ≤ 10 US-gallons), dilute 1 ml of KoralColor in 8
fl. oz. of purified water and add 1 fl. oz. of the resultant solution
per 3 US-gallons twice each week (i.e. Wednesday and Saturday).
Recommended:
Add one drop per 5 US-gallons (18.9 L) daily. If using the product in a
particularly small aquarium (e.g. ≤ 5 US-gallons), dilute one drop of
KoralColor in 8 fl. oz. of purified water and add 4 fl. oz. of the
resultant solution per 2.5 US-gallons daily. It is not uncommon for the
coloration of some of the lighter, “warm-colored” pigments (such as
yellow and pale orange) in corals and clams to take on a slightly
“cooler” coloration (such as lime or aqua). If this is observed and is
undesirable, decrease dosing by 25% on a weekly basis until the original
color returns to the organism, and maintain the new dosage.
Ingredients:
Purified water, proprietary blend of major, minor, and trace elements
known to be incorporated into biological pigments (biochromes).
Size: