Replicates marine snow for corals an other suspension feeding marine invertebrates.Overview:
- Complex of carbonate-bound, non-conservative major, minor, and trace
elements in aragonite ratios, as well as marine-derived proteins and
lipids in coral tissue ratios.
- Simultaneously delivers appropriate inorganic and organic nutrients
required by stony corals, both zooxanthellate and azooxanthellate soft
corals, gorgonians, clams, tube worms, sponges, tunicates, and other
suspension-feeding invertebrates for growth of both soft tissue and
skeletal material.
- Ideally fed at night when most corals extend their tentacles for prey capture.
- Does not require refrigeration.
- Formulated by a marine scientist.
Technical Background:Marine
snow is a term coined by oceanographers to describe aggregate
particulate material (which may or may not be organic) falling towards
the sea floor; the material, itself, is largely composed of the remnants
of deceased zooplankton and large phytoplankton. These organic
particles typically become colonized by various microorganisms
(primarily bacteria and protozoans) during their descent towards the sea
floor; the decomposition of the organic material by the microorganism
“colony” on each particle recycles the nutrients locked up within it.
The constant descent of these particles through the water column has the
appearance of snow fall, hence the name “marine snow”. While marine
snow is primarily associated with productive regions of the open ocean
rather than tropical coral reefs, the concept (with some improvements
adressing the requirements of reef-building organisms) may be applied to
reef aquaria as a means of simultaneously delivering organic and
inorganic nutrients to corals and other suspension-feeding
invertebrates. Brightwell Aquatics Reef Snow effectively replicates the
concept of marine snow by combining a “core substrate” of
carbonate-bound, non-conservative major, minor, and trace elements (all
in aragonite ratios) with marine-derived proteins and fatty acids (all
in coral tissue ratios). It does not contain any sugars or their
derivatives. Reef Snow delivers both organic and inorganic nutrients to
corals and their allies, clams, tube worms, and other suspension-feeding
marine invertebrates; it may be of particular benefit to the hobbyist
wishing to maintain azooxanthellate soft corals in deep-water biotope
aquaria. The collective benefits of providing these nutrients in the
same “package” are increased growth rates of both soft tissue and
skeletal material.
Reef
Snow does not require refrigeration, however storage in a cool, shaded
area will prolong the shelf-life. Refrigeration will maximize the
shelf-life of the product.
Instructions and Guidelines:Shake
product well before using. Turn protein skimmer and other forms of
mechanical filtration off prior to adding Reef Snow to aquaria, and
allow 10 - 15 minutes after use before resuming operation of filtration.
Most zooxanthellate corals extend their tentacles at night, when the
majority of coralivorous and zooplanktivorous fishes are asleep and the
abundance of zooplankton in the water column passing over and through
the reef is at its greatest. Therefore, the most sensible time to feed
Reef Snow to corals is after all lights in the aquarium have been off
(preferably for at least one- to two-hours) and the room is dark. Using a
dim flashlight, illuminate the area immediately upstream of the coral
to be fed, then feed as directed below. Slight cloudiness of the
aquarium water accompanying dosage of Reef Snow is a result of the
inorganic active components entering solution and will dissipate
rapidly.
Target Feeding (recommended):
Target feeding may be carried out with a lengthy piece of rigid air
tubing, plastic syringe, pipette, dropper, or similar device; suck a
portion of Reef Snow into the feeding device, then slowly discharge the
contents of the device 2 - 4” upstream of the target organism(s). Repeat
these steps as deemed necessary. Do not place items that have been
exposed to aquarium water inside this container without first thoroughly
rinsing them (inside and outside) with fresh water; failure to do so
will contaminate the product and encourage it to decompose. See ‘Notes’
below regarding maximum recommended feeding amount.
Broadcast Dispersal:
Add up to 2.5 ml (½-capful) per 50 gallons of water in the entire
aquarium system in an area of rapid water movement every other day for
the first four weeks of use; thereafter, the dosage may be gradually
increased if desired.
Notes:
Reef Snow should be considered a type of food. Add no more than 5 ml
total of liquid food suspensions per 50 gallons of water in the entire
aquarium system daily for the first four weeks of use; thereafter, the
dosage may be gradually increased as desired. Caution: Keep out of reach
of children. Not for human consumption.
Notes:
Reef Snow should be considered a type of food. Add no more than 5 ml
total of liquid food suspensions per 50 gallons of water in the entire
aquarium system daily for the first four weeks of use; thereafter, the
dosage may be gradually increased as desired.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Carbonate 2,769 mg/oz. (93,600 ppm), calcium 1,627 mg/oz. (55,000 ppm),
strontium 32.5 mg/oz. (1,100 ppm), magnesium 4.4 mg/oz. (150 ppm),
potassium 0.3 mg/oz. (10 ppm), moisture (max) 70%, protein (min) 0.5%,
lipids (min) 0.15%, fiber (min) 0%.
Ingredients: Purified water, carbonates of calcium, strontium, magnesium, potassium, marine-derived proteins and lipids.
Size: