Red Sea Algae Control Multi Test Kit (NO₃ / PO₄)

In order to successfully manage unwanted algae, and to maximize coral growth or discoloration within a reef aquarium, it is essential to understand the role that symbiotic zoxanthella algae plays, and the relationship with the coral.

In order to successfully manage unwanted algae, and to maximize coral growth or discoloration within a reef aquarium, it is essential to understand the role of symbiotic zoxanthella algae and the relationship with the coral. In a natural reef, corals host zooxanthellae populations with densities of 0.5-5 million / cm2, located within the coral soft tissue. Approximately 85% of the energy of the corals comes from the zooxanthellae, the remaining 15% in the soft tissue comes from metabolizing coral nutrints (carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids) from the surrounding water. These energy fuels take care of all the coral's metabolic processes such as the production and skeletogenisis protein. The zooxanthellae use strong sunlight from the tropical reef as a primary energy source and transmit up to 95% of their photosynthesis (carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids) to their coral host, using the balance for their own metabolism. The coral host provides the zoxanthellae with nutrients, nitrogen compounds, phosphates and carbon dioxide (CO2). It is this symbiotic relationship, in which the nutrients are recycled, that is the key to ecological success.

Another aspect of this symbiosis relates to photo protection against strong radiation. In nature, the zoxanthellae protect the corals against intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing the light energy and shading the delicate inner layers of the coral soft tissues. In nature, the zoxanthelle population is controlled by the algae nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) secreted by the coral. However, in an artificial reef aquarium the amount of nutrients accumulating algae is quickly used up and if uncontrolled an over-density of the zoxanthella population will arise. The high nutrient over-density of the zoxanthella population disrupts the natural balance. This creates competition between the zoxanthelles and the coral. If the extra food is no longer available for the coral, it can become malnourished.

The increase in the population of zoxanthellae also causes the corals to darken with a deep brown hue that obscures the natural vibrant pigments of the coral. An ideal zooxanthellae population density will provide the coral with the energy needed for the accelerated growth of the corals. of the algae nutrients in the water, the zooxanthellae population will weaken to the level that can only be supported if the algae nutrints are delivered directly to the coral. Under these circumstances, the coral will receive less energy from the zoxanthellae and will have less protection against UV have radiation. If suitable coral nutrints (carbohydrates, amino acids and vitamins) are available in the water, the soft tissue of the coral can be damaged by increasing the internal production of energy. Assuming the necessary trace elements are present in the water, the coral will increase its natural UV protection through pigmentation of the soft tissue that is seen as improved coloring.

The Red Sea Algae Control Multi Test kit is a combination of the Red Sea Nitrate Pro and Phosphate Pro test kits.

• The new Red Sea tests are very accurate for measuring in small increments of the scale.
• Easy to use comparator. The assembled comparator (body and disc) has room for 2 cups (1 for normal aquarium water and 1 for the tested water and the color disc can be rotated until the correct color is found.
• Glass titration cups of laboratory quality. Durable and does not become fuzzy over time (on the contrary to plastic cups). Attention to detail even for the smallest things.
• Robust and very user-friendly storage box made from black plastic.
• Extensive instructions for use at the start and a small illustrated manual for fast measurement.

Package contents Red Sea Algae Control Multi Test Kit (NO₃ / PO₄)

• 1x High-quality and sturdy plastic storage box
• 1x NO3 A 40ml reagent
• 1x NO3 B 25g reagent
• 1x NO3 C 25ml reagent
• 1x PO4 A 50 ml reagent
• 1x PO4 B 10ml reagent
• 1x Plastic 5ml syringe
• 2x Glass titration cups with screwable cap
• 1x Double-sided color disc
• 1x Comparator body
• 1x Detailed instruction manual
• 1x Double-sided card with illustrated instructions and values table