Guide / Hints on how to create an ideal marine aquarium

40 Pages·2017·9.1 MB·English

A passion
for the sea!
Information Brochure
hints on how to create
an ideal marine aquarium
Dear Aquarium Enthusiasts,
The tropical underwater world is simply captivating – divers and snorkelers experience
it in the open sea and more and more people are bringing this fascinating world into
their own homes.
Marine fish keeping is becoming an increasingly popular hobby.
However, aquarium enthusiasts need to look after their tanks if they want the colourful
corals and exotic ornamental fish to permanently reveal their fascination at home.

DuplaMarin specialises in modern sea water fish keeping.
We see it as our duty and responsibility to help optimise the marine aquarium.
Not only to protect the life of aquarium inhabitants but also to ensure that they
find an ideal habitat with the right conditions for healthy growth and breeding.
We hope that this information brochure will provide you with an understanding of
the products supplied by DuplaMarin and show how individual products can be used.
Here, you will also find plenty of interesting facts on marine fish keeping.
We do hope you will enjoy reading it and discover something new about
your fascinating hobby. And if you have any questions at all, please contact us
or your specialist shop. We would be happy to offer you professional advice.
With kind regards from everyone at DuplaMarin
List of contents
· Introduction ....................................................... 4 DuplaRin .............................................................. 25
DuplaRin Mar ........................................................ 25
· Marine water ..................................................... 5 DuplaRin Spirulina .................................................. 25
Dupla Eeze & Eeze powder ........................................ 25
· The most important water values ....................... 6
· Corals need feeding! .......................................... 26
· The right salt ..................................................... 6 Coral Food, Coral Food phyto ..................................... 26
Premium Coral Salt Amino Active ................................ 6 Eeze Powder .......................................................... 27
Premium Reef Salt Natural Balance .............................. 7
· Indispensable source of amino acids nutrients .. 28
· The right salinity level ....................................... 8 Amino 24 ............................................................. 28
· Density .............................................................. 10 · Technical equipment for marine aquaria ........... 29
Protein skimmers .................................................... 29
· Precision hydrometers ....................................... 11
· Skimz Skimmers ................................................ 30
· Temperature ...................................................... 11
· Multi- / fluidise bed / pellet reactors and filters ..... 31
· pH value ............................................................ 12
· Zeolite reactors .................................................. 31
· Major and trace elements .................................. 14
Trace elements Mix ................................................. 14
· Calcium hydroxide reactor ................................. 31
Carbonate hardness (KH) / Alkalinity ............................ 15
Calcium ............................................................... 15 Calcium reactors ..................................................... 32
Magnesium ........................................................... 16 Skimz calcium reactors ............................................. 32
Iodine and Potassium ............................................... 17 Filter sumps, high-tech tanks....................................... 32
Strontium and Molybdenum ..................................... 17
· Dosing system .................................................... 33
Iron and Manganese ............................................... 17
Easy Marin ............................................................ 18
· Fragmenting stony corals ................................... 34
· Biology .............................................................. 19 Frag Fix, Coral Fix marin, Coral Fix liquid ........................ 34
Comparison of a few bacterial preparations ................... 19 Coral Rack & Coral Plugs ........................................... 35
Bacter Booster ....................................................... 19 Coral fragmenting made easy ..................................... 35
Nitrogen compound ................................................ 20
· Animal pests in the aquarium ............................ 36
· Nitrate problems? Algae problems? .................. 21 Worm X ................................................................ 36
Biopellets ............................................................. 21 Aiptasia ................................................................ 36
Use in multi-reactors/ pellet reactors ............................ 22 Majano anemones ................................................... 37
Sulphur Nitrate Filter ............................................... 22
· Substrate ............................................................ 37
· P hosphorus / Phosphate ..................................... 23
Siliphos ................................................................ 23 Coralit, Reef Ground ................................................. 37
Silicates ................................................................ 23
· The right water to start with .............................. 38
Activated carbon ..................................................... 24
reverse osmosis systems ............................................ 38
Zeolite ................................................................. 24
RO 190, RO 270, silicate filters, ultra pure water filters ....... 39
· Fish need feeding! ............................................ 25
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A passion for the sea! o
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Science, no fiction! pla-
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Introduction
Coral reefs are some of the most fascinating eco systems on Earth.
However, they are also sensitive and unfortunately threatened with extinction.
Tropical coral reefs cover a total area of about 600,000 km2. The hard skeletons formed by stony
corals (Scleractinia) play an important part in building up the coral reefs.
In this process, an average of 640 million tons of coral limestone are deposited annually.
Coral reefs are the largest and most complex structures created by organisms on the Earth.
This is the only place where so many different animal species coexist and have adapted to living
in a very confined space in an environment in which the concentration of inorganic nutrients is
extremely low.
This ecosystem where the most diverse strategies of nutrient content and its use take place exists
in a virtually perfect biological equilibrium. So the mini-reef we create in our aquarium needs to be
constantly monitored and controlled if it is to function properly.
It has never been easier to maintain a well-functioning coral reef aquarium. The days when marine
fishkeeping was the preserve of just a few specialists are over. A few years ago, it was inconceivable
that you could successfully care for stony corals in your aquarium – let alone fragmenting and
propagating them – and now the most magnificent marine aquaria can be found in living
rooms where beautiful corals and exotic fish can be kept successfully for long periods of time.
Decades of experience, the latest scientific findings and countless biotope surveys
have shaped product development at DuplaMarin and played a crucial role in creating realistic
living conditions for a successful and interesting marine aquarium with a variety of different species.
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Marine water
Marine salt Marine water
Cl 55% H O 96.5%
2
Sulphate
7.7 %
Na 30.6%
Ca 1.2% Mg
3.7% NaCl
K 1.1%
3.5%
Remainder
0.7%
Cl = Chloride HO = Water
2
Ca = Calcium NaCl = Salt
K = Potassium
Mg = Magnesium
Na = Sodium
At a glance –
The most important water values
in the marine aquarium
Salinity (psu) 33 - 36 Iodine 0.06 mg/l
Salinity at 25° C 1.022 - 1.024 Strontium 8 mg/l
Conductivity in µS/cm 49,000 - 55,000 Nitrite <0.1 mg/l
pH value 7.9 - 8.3 Nitrate 1 - 10 mg/l
Alkalinity / KH 6 – 9 ° dH Phosphate <0.5 mg/l
m
Ca - value 380 - 440 mg/l Silicate 0.2 mg/l n.co
Mg - value 1300 - 1350 mg/l Potassium 380 mg/l mari
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The right salt
in the marine aquarium
Healthy and colourful coral growth is extremely natural marine water, both in their composition quality raw materials ensure rapid and
dependent on the quality of the marine salt and their quantity. Marine water produced with residue-free solubility in water.
used as there are particular requirements for the a marine salt mixture should have an identical
overall chemical composition of the water. ion ratio to natural marine water and ideally not Dupla Marin Premium salts for the most
DuplaMarin Premium marine salts are modern be distinguishable from natural marine water. demanding requirements in marine
and ultrapure salt mixtures developed for the To achieve optimal marine water conditions, fishkeeping can be used for:
unique and special requirements of a marine Dupla Marin Premium marine salts are enriched
aquarium. Corals, fish and microorganisms have with over 70 trace elements that are in · Reef aquaria with large quantity
adapted to a constant salt composition in our nearnatural proportions and in a concentration of SPS and LPS corals
world’s oceans over millions of years. to one another similar to that which occurs · Aquaria with a large number of
So to create ideal living conditions for aquarium in natural marine water. fish and soft corals
inhabitants in their artificial world, the ions The special formula, most meticulous manu- · Fish aquaria
present in the water must correspond to those of facturing methods and the use of the highest · Nano aquaria
Premium Coral Salt Amino Active
Premium Coral Salt Amino Active contains a meticulous manufacturing methods without the
natural amino acid complex based on marine addition of chelates. The high bioavailability
water which matches the concentration of DFAAs of the individual trace elements permanently
(dissolved free amino acids) occurring in natural improves the living conditions of the individual
marine water. The Amino Active formula supports organisms, guaranteeing perfect coral growth
important biological processes as the proteino- and healthy fish.
genic amino acids in the formula are substan- Premium Coral Salt Amino Active is particularly
tially involved in the formation of peptides and suitable for reef aquaria with a large quantity
proteins and play a significant role in the growth of SPS and LPS corals.
and regeneration of the corals. Amino acids are
indispensable communication and signalling
substances for the symbiosis regulation of zoo- Amino Active
xanthellate corals and form the fundamental Dependence of the macro elements on salinity
building blocks of the colour pigments
Salinity (psu) 33 34 35 36
(chromoproteins) of the corals.
The optimised values of the calcium and Ca mg / l 436 448 460 472
magnesium concentration offer perfect conditions
for healthy and accelerated growth in modern Mg mg / l 1265 1300 1340 1378
reef aquaria, especially for SPS and LPS corals.
Alkalinity KH 8.5 8.7 9 9.3
Based on the latest scientific findings, Premium
Coral Salt Amino Active is produced from K mg / l 375 388 400 413
pharmaceutically pure salts using the most
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Premium Reef Salt Nature Balance
Premium Reef Salt Nature Balance is a highly conditions of the individual organisms,
purified synthetic salt mixture for the perfect guaranteeing perfect coral growth and healthy
marine water aquarium with water identical to fish. The exceptionally high quality of the marine
natural marine water. Premium Reef Salt Nature salt means that even beginners will achieve
Balance is enriched with over 70 trace elements. positive results quickly.
To achieve optimal marine water conditions, the
ratio of all minerals and trace elements matches
that of natural conditions and they are present in
the concentrations that occur in natural marine
water. Based on the latest scientifically sound
marine research, Premium Reef Salt Nature Natural Balance
Balance helps to produce a marine water that Dependence of the macro elements on salinity
optimises the keeping and living conditions of
Salinity (psu) 33 34 35 36
fish and corals in the aquarium.
The pharmaceutically high quality (purity) and Ca mg / l 396 408 420 432
most meticulous production methods guarantee
that no harmful substances get into the aquarium Mg mg / l 1225 1260 1300 1340
with the salt. The special formula prevents
Alkalinity KH 7.5 7.7 8 8.5
precipitation of individual trace elements. The
high bioavailability of the individual trace K mg / l 364 378 390 413
elements permanently improves the living
Hint: To avoid the precipitation of individual trace elements during the dissolving process,
you should always mix the salt into the water. Never pour water directly onto the salt.
DuplaMarin Premium marine salts can be used after they have dissolved and as soon as om
the water is clear. The salinity should be adjusted to 1.022 – 1.024 at a temperature of 25° C. n.c
A regular, weekly water change of 5 % - 10 % removes waste material, replenishes trace elements, mari
permanently improves the water quality and supports perfect coral growth. Please always store a-
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The right salt content in marine water
The salinity must be kept at the right level!
Regardless of the salinity, marine water has of about 1 %. A salinity of 3.4% corresponds as salinity in the measurement unit per mil ‰
virtually the same composition worldwide in to a solution of 34 g salt per litre. or expressed as the dimensionless unit psu).
which the most important major ions are in It is also possible to define salinity as density
approximate equal proportions to each other. For practical purposes, the marine fishkeeper or as electrical conductivity in microsiemens.
The average salt content (salinity) of tropical uses the measurement unit of grams per But what is right?
seas is around 3.2 % - 3.6 %. The Red Sea has litre (g/l) when he prepares his marine water. The problem lies in the temperature dependency
a significantly higher salinity level of 4.1 %, The scientist on the other hand uses the of the various measurement units.
the Baltic Sea in contrast only has a salinity measurement unit of grams per kilo (defined
Conductivity measurement:
The conductivity of water results from the quantity The higher the salt proportion in water, the higher of 53,060 microsiemens per centimetre (µS/cm)
of salts it contains and is given in microsiemens the electrical conductivity and the lower the or 53.06 millisiemens (mS/cm) corresponds to a
(µS/cm) or millisiemens (mS/cm). The electricity electric resistance. The conductivity measurement salinity of 35 or a density of 1.0233 (25° C).
flow between two electrodes is measured here. is temperature-dependent. A conductivity value

Density:
Density is the most commonly used term among quoted alongside the density. At a density of a temperature of 28° C corresponds to the
aquarium enthusiasts to determine the salinity. 1.0233 (25° C), 1 l of marine water weighs same salinity of 35 as a density of 1.0233 at a
The density is measured with a hydrometer 1.0233 kg, which in turn corresponds to a salinity temperature of 25° C. The same density of 1.0233
(usually calibrated to 25° C) and is temperature- of 35. As heating water expands, the density corresponds to a salinity of 36 at a temperature
dependent as the weight is given in kg/l, g/ml or drops even though the salinity remains the of 28° C, however.
g/cm³. This is why the temperature is always same. This means that a density of 1.0224 at

Salinity:
Salinity is a temperature-independent measuring At a salinity of 35, 1 kg of marine water
unit and is either measured in pro mil (‰) or in contains 35 g salt (= 35 ‰) – regardless
psu (practical salinity units, a dimension-less unit). of the temperature.
The following applies:
For the conversion of salinity => g/l, you need the correct temperature of the density.
Conversion: Salinity g/Kg ÷ Density (25 ° C) = g/l (25 ° C)
Example: 35 ÷ 1.0233 (kg/l) = 34.20 g/l
Dependence of density on salinity at different temperatures
Temp. Sal. 32 Sal. 33 Sal. 34 Sal. 35 Sal. 36 Sal. 37 Sal. 38
23 ° C / 1.0217 1.0224 1.0232 1.0239 1.0247 1.0255 1.0262
density
24° C 1.0214 1.0221 1.0229 1.0236 1.0244 1.0252 1.0259
25° C 1.0211 1.0218 1.0226 1.0233 1.0241 1.0249 1.0256
(µS/cm) 48,990 50,360 51,710 53,060 54,410 55,750 57,080
26° C 1.0208 1.0215 1.0223 1.023 1.0238 1.0245 1.0253
27° C 1.0205 1.0212 1.022 1.0227 1.0235 1.0242 1.025
28° C 1.0201 1.0209 1.0216 1.0224 1.0231 1.0239 1.0247
In marine water that expands through heating, the salt quantity in the water is distributed over a greater volume.
The salt concentration drops accordingly. The salt density decreases. On the other hand, a constant density at the
same time as a rising water temperature leads to an increase in the salt concentration. A density of 1.0233 (25° C)
corresponds to a density of 1.0224 for example at a temperature of 28° C with constant salinity.
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fish
Please note: Before carrying out any water analysis, you need to measure the salinity in the aquarium as some measured values are dependent
on salinity. If the calcium content is 420 mg for example at a salinity of 35, the Ca-content is only about 370 mg at a salinity of 31.
The measurements of the following major or macro elements are salinity-dependent:
Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium.
Salinity (psu) 31 32 33 34 35 36
Calcium mg/l 371 384 396 408 420 432
Magnesium mg/l 1.162 1.198 1.235 1.270 1.310 1.347
Potassium mg/l 361 373 385 396 408 420
Hint: The salinity in the marine aquarium should be between 33 and 36, corresponding to
a density of 1.022 and 1.024 (25° C) and needs to be monitored regularly as many corals
and fish react sensitively to fluctuating salinity. As the osmotic pressure also changes
when the salinity changes, you should give the aquarium creatures enough time when transferring
them to the tank (after purchase for example) to adapt to the changed salinity.
Sensitive creatures may need several hours to acclimatise.
How to correctly determine the salt density
As the salt density has an effect on all the measurement results of the major or macro elements, the determination of density should
always take place before every measurement. Determining the salt density using a hydrometer is easy and does not take too long.
Nevertheless, you should take care to observe certain matters when determining the salt density. Even the maximum deviation
specified will have an effect on the measurement result.
The following example should explain why it is necessary to be able to determine the salt content as exactly as possible:
Maximum Standard Salinity DuplaMarin Salinity
Hydrometer/ Precision
refractometer hydrometer
Maximum deviation + / - 0.001 + / - 0.0002
1.0223 33.5 1.0231 34.8
1.0233 35.0 1.0233 35.0
1.0243 36.3 1.0235 35.3
Approx. difference in g range 2.8 g in tenth of a g 0.5 g
range
Even a maximum deviation of 0.001 corresponds to a salinity difference of approx. 1.3 which in turn corresponds to
a deviation of the Ca amount of almost 20 mg /l or a Mg amount of almost 60 mg /l.
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Density, specific gravity,
relative density?
Which is the right unit of measurement?
The measurement unit “density” has been in use in Germany since 1970. The measurement units
“specific gravity” or “relative density” are mainly used in the USA, Asia and the UK. As the following
overview shows, the measurement unit “density” differs markedly from the measurement unit
“specific gravity”.
Density: 1.023 at 25° C/77° F
Salinity/Temperature 24° C 25° C 26° C 27° C 28° C
33 1.0221 1.0218 1.0215 1.0212 1.0208
34 1.0228 1.0225 1.0222 1.0219 1.0216
35 1.0236 1.0233 1.0231 1.0227 1.0224
36 1.0244 1.0241 1.0237 1.0234 1.0231
37 1.0251 1.0248 1.0245 1.0242 1.0239
38 1.0259 1.0256 1.0253 1.0249 1.0246
Specific gravity: 1.026 at 25° C/77° F
Salinity/Temperature 24° C 25° C 26° C 27° C 28° C
33 1.0252 1.0249 1.0245 1.0242 1.0238
34 1.0259 1.0255 1.0252 1.0250 1.0247
35 1.0267 1.0264 1.0261 1.0258 1.0255
36 1.0275 1.0272 1.0268 1.0265 1.0262
37 1.0282 1.0278 1.0276 1.0273 1.027
38 1.0290 1.0287 1.0283 1.0280 1.0277
So a density of 1.023 (25° C) corresponds to a specific gravity of approx. 1.026 (25 °C).
So if you adjust your salinity to a value of 1.023 using a hydrometer showing specific gravity,
you only have a density of 1.020 in the aquarium.
The same also applies to refractometers!
Please note: nearly all the hydrometers and refractometers available on the market do not show
“density” but “specific gravity” instead. So it is absolutely essential to establish which measuring unit
is being used due to the high differences between measurements. The measurement unit should be marked on
the scale of the hydrometer / refractometer because otherwise measuring becomes a guessing game.