Everything you need to know about Aquaforest products: user guide

I- Aquarium populated with fish

        This is an aquarium without corals, populated only with fish. In this case, we recommend the use of salt Sea Salt and nitrification bacteria Bio S(1 drop/100 liters). You can place in the decanter a fluidized filterWith good flow of water containing the resinPhosphate MinusWhich binds phosphates, silicates and carbon. It removes water pollution.

We also recommend the use of bacteria Bio SAt each water renewal.

The aquarium can be gradually populated 30 days after its start-up provided that the NO2 (Nitrite)Are undetectable.

1. Aquarium salinity + addition of nitrification bacteria

(we also recommend adding filter media)

          Sea Salt 22kg                        Bios 50ml                    Phosphate Minus                  Carbon

2. Introducing fish into the aquarium: not before the 14 days of starting.

(Only if NO2 is undetectable)

3. When the aquarium is populated with living organisms, we recommend using the following products:

Fish V 50ml       Garlic Oil 50ml

II - Aquarium populated with soft corals and fish

       If your aquarium is populated with soft corals and fish, we recommend using the salt reef saltAnd nitrifying bacteria Bio S(1 drop/100 liters). You can place in the decanter a fluidized filterWith good flow of water containing the resinsPhosphate Minus - 100ml/100l (27 US gal) and Carbon- 100ml/100l (27 US gal).

We also recommend the use of bacteriaBio SAt each water renewal.

The aquarium can be stocked 14 days after its start-up provided that theNO2 (Nitrite)Are undetectable.

It is best to introduce corals first and fish later.Feed corals once a week.

For this type of aquarium we recommend moderately strong circulation, LED, HQI, T5 or hybrid (T5+LED) lighting. In our experience, nutrients (NO3 and PO4) should be detectable at levels between: NO3: 2-10 and PO4: 0.01-0.08

1. Aquarium salinity + addition of nitrification bacteria.

(we recommend adding filter media)

          Reef Salt 22kg                        Bios 50ml                    Phosphate Minus                  Carbon

2. Introduction of fish into the aquarium: not before 14 days of start-up (Only if NO2 is undetectable)

3. When the aquarium is populated with living organisms, we recommend using the following products:

(if tests show a decrease in Ca, Kh, Mg)

This plus 250ml    Mg plus 250ml   Kh plus 250ml

4. Feed the corals – once a week:

(the dosage must be adapted to the population)

              Fish V 50ml       Garlic Oil 50ml          Af Phyto Mix    Af Amino Mix  Af Vitality    Coral Food

III - Aquarium with non-demanding LPS and SPS

        we recommend using thesalt reef saltAnd nitrifying bacteriaBio S(1 drop/100 liters). You can place in the decanter afluidized filterWith good flow of water containing the resinsPhosphate Minus - 100ml/100l (27 US gal) and Carbon- 100ml/100l (27 US gal).

We also recommend the use of bacteriaBio SAt each water renewal.

The aquarium can be stocked 14 days after its start-up provided that theNO2 (Nitrite)Are undetectable.

It is best to introduce corals first and fish later.Feed corals once a week.

For this type of aquarium we recommend moderately strong circulation, LED, HQI, T5 or hybrid (T5+LED) lighting. In our experience, nutrients (NO3 and PO4) should be detectable at levels between: NO3: 2-5 and PO4: 0.01-0.05

1. Aquarium salinity + addition of nitrification bacteria

(we recommend adding filter media)

                Reef Salt + 22kg               Reef Salt 22kg                        Bios 50ml                    Phosphate Minus                  Carbon

2. Introducing fish into the aquarium: not before the 14 days of starting

(Only if NO2 is undetectable)

3. When the aquarium is populated with living organisms, we recommend using the following products:

(if tests show a decrease in Ca, Kh, Mg)

                Calcium       Magnesium             Kh        Reef Mineral Salt     Strong ComponentOrComponent 1+ 2+ 3+

4. Feed the corals – once a week

(the dosage must be adapted to the population)

         Fish V 50ml  Garlic Oil 50ml   Af Energy  Af Build  Af Amino Mix  Af Vitality    Af Power Food

IV - SPS aquarium managed using the Aquaforest probiotic method

The Aquaforest probiotic method allows you to introduce carefully selected bacteria into your aquarium to reduce nitrate and phosphate levels. We recommend this method of aquarium management to experienced aquarists. It is characterized among other things by a very Low Nutrient Level in order to accommodate the most delicate corals. To manage the aquarium using this method, it is necessary to use a powerful skimmer and to dose the probiotic bacteria as well as the food. Corals raised in aquariums with very low nutrient levels must have permanent access to vitamins, amino acids and food. For this type of aquarium, we recommend strong mixing and good quality T5 or HQI + T5 lighting. We recommend keeping the nutrients (NO3 and PO4) at a very low level, e.g.: NO3: 0.1-0.5 / PO4- 0.01-0.04.

1. Aquarium salinity + addition of nitrification bacteria

(we recommend adding filter media)

                Reef Salt + 22kg               Reef Salt 22kg                        Bios 50ml                    Phosphate Minus                  Carbon

2. Introducing fish into the aquarium: not before the 14 days of starting

                                                                                                   ProBio S       -Np Pro          Pro Bio F

3. When the aquarium is populated with living organisms, we recommend using the following products:

(if tests show a decrease in Ca, Kh, Mg)

4. Feed the corals – once a week

(the dosage must be adapted to the population)

         Fish V 50ml  Garlic Oil 50ml   Af Energy  Af Build  Af Amino Mix  Af Vitality     Af Power Food

Using the probiotic method simultaneously with other methods:

DSB (Deep Sand Bed), Refugium, MM (Miracle Mud): There is no contraindication but there is no reason to combine these two systems. VSV (Vodka, Sugar, Vinegar): we do not recommend this method when using the probiotic method.

Vodka Method: we do not recommend this method when using the probiotic method

Bio Pellets: not recommended, but acceptable.

Ozone, UV: Not recommended, but acceptable. It is prohibited to use ozone with salts that contain bromides. (Probiotic Reef Salt)

Limestone reactor: no contraindications.

In marine aquariums, the most important role is played by bacteria responsible for the decomposition and treatment of harmful compounds present in the water. At the beginning, it is necessary to create suitable conditions for their colonization and development. When using the probiotic method, the filtration system should be based mainly on Bio Ceramic media due to their high porosity. As media, ceramics as well as dry, living or synthetic stones can be used. There is only one principle to follow: the more porous the stone, the larger the surface area for colonization by bacteria.

	Bio S Supplement promoting the proliferation of Nitrospirae and Nitrobacter bacterial strains. This product is very useful in tanks that have just been started since it accelerates the establishment of the nitrogen cycle. Bio S can also be used successfully in tanks whose filtration system relies on probiotic bacteria.
	Pro Bio S Probiotic bacteria that help create perfect conditions in a saltwater aquarium. By proliferating, they reduce the level of nitrates and phosphates. They create a useful bacterial flora through the proliferation of non-pathogenic organisms. They are easily eliminated by the protein skimmer.
	Pro Bio F Culture medium for probiotic bacteria. Recommended for small tanks where it is not possible to install polymer-based filters.
	-NP Pro Supplement containing a culture medium that promotes the growth of probiotic bacteria. After using -NPPro, the bacteria proliferate faster, which accelerates the transformation of unwanted nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, into biomass. The bacteria are then consumed by corals or skimmed off. They thus constitute an additional source of natural food (bacterioplankton).

Another important element of the filtration system: an effective skimmer when using the probiotic method. In “dry” mode, it helps to keep nitrates (NO3) and phosphates (PO4) at low levels and reduce excess bacteria proliferation. In order to reduce the level of phosphates in your aquarium, we recommend using a fluidized bed filter with a suitable absorbent. After reducing the level of phosphates in the water, disconnect it, because it should not act as a regular filter during this method. It is not recommended to use cartridges whose composition is based on aluminum oxide. Aquaforest recommends the use of Phosphate MinusAnd ofactivated carbonIn the initial phase of setting up a marine aquarium.

	Carbon High quality activated carbon granules. It eliminates unwanted chemical compounds in marine and freshwater aquariums, it improves water clarity. Thanks to steam activation, Carbon Aquaforest does not contain phosphates. It is also more porous compared to other products of this type and therefore has greater adsorption capacities.
	Phosphate Minus Highly effective media for fluidized filters that reduces the level of phosphates and silicates, helping to maintain beautiful colors in saltwater and freshwater aquariums.
	Zeo Mix Mixture of specially selected zeolites. It can be used in both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. Due to the very high adsorption capacities of zeolites, Zeo Mix should only be used in reef aquariums by experienced aquarists as it can cause excessive depletion of the water in necessary elements. Product intended for aquariums only. Store in a cool place, protected from light and out of reach of children.

Selection of salts according to requirements, planned stocking and aquarium management:

In order to maintain constant water parameters, we recommend using salt whose characteristics resemble natural parameters as closely as possible. We recommend changing approx. 10% of the water volume every 7 days. Each Aquaforest salt dissolves in 15 minutes, making it ready for use. We recommend using osmosis water.

Optimal water parameters:

Salinity: 34–36 ppt

AC:                410–440 ppm

Mg:               1230–1320 ppm

KH:                6.5–8.0 dKH

K:                  360–400 ppm

	Sea Salt This is our basic product. Optimal for all types of marine aquariums, this salt is primarily intended for aquariums populated with fish, but also for aquariums inhabited by less demanding corals and invertebrates. It is excellent for starting new aquariums.
	Reef Salt This salt has been specially created for coral breeding (SPS and LPS). The micro-elements and macro-elements it contains fully meet the needs of corals. These elements are necessary to ensure good growth and optimize their coloring. Thanks to the low bromide content, this salt can be used in tanks whose filtration system is accompanied by ozone.
	Probiotic Reef Salt Fully synthetic sea salt, created with coral farming in mind. The salt composition has been designed to create the best conditions for marine animals. It contains micro- and macroelements that satisfy all the corals’ needs for the elements necessary for their proper growth and coloration. In addition, the addition of probiotics positively influences the reduction of nitrates and phosphates while slowing the development of pathogenic microorganisms in marine aquariums. Probiotic Reef Salt contains vitamins and amino acids. It is the first salt on the market that supports filtration processes.

Supplements and foods for corals:

The condition of corals depends not only on water parameters but also on the nutrients supplied to them in the form of various supplements. These contained in food increase their vitality, accelerate their growth and improve their colors. In the system using an effective probiotic skimmer, there is a sharp drop in the level of vitamin and amino acids necessary for the proper development of corals. For this purpose, we recommend regular use of food supplements that ensure an appropriate level in the aquarium. When the aquarist maintains the water parameters correctly, including nutrients at the lowest possible levels, it is worth starting to feed the corals.

All Aquaforest products are suitable for a dosage of 1 drop per 100l of water. However, it should be noted that each aquarium is different, with a different reef population. When introducing a new product into the aquarium, start with a half dose and observe the reactions of the corals to the supplements given and then gradually increase the dose to reach the target.

Corals prefer to feed at night, so we recommend feeding them after the lights are turned off. It is not recommended to mix all the supplements together. All foods should be given in the water so that the corals can consume them freely.

	AF Amino Mix Concentrated supplement with more than 20 amino acids for all types of corals. It enhances the intensity of colors, accelerates growth and improves the well-being of corals. Af Amino Mix contains among others: biotin, alanine, glutamine, leucine, lysine, serine. Dosage: 1 drop per 100l of water every 2 days after turning off the lights
	AF Vitality Concentrated vitamin supplement for corals. It enhances the intensity of colors and increases the resistance of corals. Af Vitality is particularly useful for strengthening weakened corals after their introduction. It contains: vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K3. Dosage: 1 drop per 100 l of water every 2 days after turning off the lights.
	AF Build Now produces the correct pH level in reef aquariums. It accelerates the absorption of calcium and carbon necessary for the formation of hard corals. It also contains iodine compounds. It has properties that lower the level of unwanted algae and inhibit the development of pathogenic Cyanobacteria. Dosage: 1 drop per 100 l of water every 2 days after turning off the lights.
	AF Energy Highly concentrated nutritional supplement in coral food. It limits the development of Zooxantella in corals while accelerating their growth at the same time. It enhances light, pastel colors in SPS corals. It is recommended to use it as a preventative measure, at the same time as Af Energy. Dosage: 1 drop per 100 l of water every 2 days after turning off the lights.
	AF Power Food Highly concentrated nutritional supplement in coral food. It limits the development of Zooxantella in corals while accelerating their growth at the same time. It enhances light, pastel colors in SPS corals. It is recommended to use it as a preventative measure, at the same time as Af Energy. Dosage: 1 drop per 100 l of water every 2 days after turning off the lights.
	AF Zoa Food AF Zoa Food from Aquaforest is a powdered food dedicated mainly to Zoanthus, Ricordea, Rhodactis and other mushroom corals. Mixture of carefully selected plants, developed to meet all the needs of Zoanthus and mushroom corals. AF Zoa Food is enriched with a special set of vitamins that perfectly match the needs of these corals.
	AF Phyto Mix Liquid food intended mainly for soft corals, gorgonians and non-photosynthetic corals. It contains zooplankton and phytoplankton. Dosage: every 2 days, 10 drops per 100 liters of water for an average coral population.

If you want to keep your fish in excellent condition, use fish supplements:

	Garlic Oil Antibacterial product that supports the immune system of fish. It is recommended to supplement the daily diet. It is useful during the treatment of diseases and quarantine.
	Fish V Vitamin supplement for all ornamental fish, freshwater or seawater. It is recommended to use it with frozen food, which usually does not contain enough vitamins. Thanks to FishV, fish have beautiful colors, they stay healthy and are more resistant to diseases.

Supplementation:

Aquaforest recommends changing 10% of the aquarium water per week. On this occasion we recommend carrying out tests (Ca, KH, MG, K). When you see a decrease in parameters such as Ca, KH, MG, you should consider applying a supplement.

In this context, Aquaforest offers:Calcium, , Magnesium, , KH Buffer, , Reef Mineral Salt+ Strong Components. In the initial phase of marine aquarium development, micronutrients contained in Components Strong are not necessary. When the aquarium is fully populated with corals, supplementation should be accompanied by micronutrients.

Micronutrients are contained in Strong ComponentsOr can be dosed each separately (Iron, , Fluorite, , Kalium, , Micro E, , Strontium, , Iodine). Dosing of special micronutrients is recommended only for experienced aquarists. For aquarists using a limestone reactor, we recommend using special micronutrients or Component A, , Component B, , Component C. In order to facilitate the distribution of micronutrients, Aquaforest has created the product Component 1+2+3+. These are ready-to-use solutions containing macro and micro nutrients that fully meet the requirements of corals and ensure healthy growth and beautiful coloration. The dosage of the solutions depends on the consumption by the corals as well as the water parameters..

	Component 1+, 2+, 3+ The formula for the chemical composition of components 1+, 2+, 3+ is based on the H. Balling method, but it has been modified and enriched with trace elements essential for the correct functioning of a seawater aquarium. In this way we have obtained 3 liquids which, provided they are systematically dosed in equal quantities, meet the needs of corals in magnesium and calcium, as well as all the elements whose doses are difficult to determine in a domestic setting and which require a certain amount of caution and systematic dosing. Maintaining an appropriate level of magnesium and calcium allows for the correct quantities of trace elements to be kept in a reef aquarium (Ca 400-440 mg/l, Mg 1280-1350 mg/l). For a tank with an average population of hard corals the daily dose is approx. 50ml per 100 litres of water. Component 1+ contains: Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Co, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr (50ml increasing 9mg Ca/100l and 0.6mg Mg/100l) Component 2+ contains: NaHCO3, F, I (50ml increasing KH by 1.3dkH -Alk 0.46 meg/l/100l) Component 3+ contains: mineral salts and K, Bo
	Calcium Additive to maintain a stable calcium level in reef aquariums. Only 50g of Calcium product, accompanied by 10g of Magnesium Aquaforest, is enough to obtain 1000ml of solution. Calcium 10g in 100l of water increases the Ca level by 60mg/l (ppm).
	Magnesium Next to calcium, it is the main element that is responsible for the balance of macroelements in marine aquariums. 10g of this product, accompanied by 50g of Calcium Aquaforest, is enough for 1000ml of demineralized water. Magnesium 10g in 100l of water increases 30mg/l (ppm) the level of Mg
	Kh Buffer Additive to maintain carbonate hardness at a stable level in reef aquariums. It is very effective - only 80g is enough to obtain 1000ml of solution. KhBuffer 10g in 100l of water increases 4dKH (1.43meg/l) the kh level.
	Reef Mineral Salt Product used to maintain a stable level of minerals in reef aquariums. Dissolve 25g of the product in 1000ml of demineralized water.
	Strong Components Supplement rich in concentrated trace elements. Use as a complementary product, only with KhBuffer, Calcium, Magnesium and Reef Mineral Salt Aquaforest. The amount of trace elements added depends on the desired magnesium and calcium intake. Directions for use: add Component A and Component B to a solution of Calcium and Magnesium Aquaforest, respecting the dose of 5ml per 1 liter of the solution. Add Component C to a solution of KH buffer Aquaforest, respecting the dose of 5ml per 1 liter of the solution. Add Component K to a solution of Reef Mineral Salt Aquaforest, respecting the dose of 5ml per 1 liter of the solution.

Dosage of macro and micro nutrients based on Aquaforest products:

In aquariums with soft corals and a small amount of LPS corals - when the drops in macronutrients (Ca, Mg, kh) are not significant, it is possible to use the products:

	Ca Plus Solution increasing the calcium level in seawater aquariums. Directions for use: 10ml of solution increases the Ca level by 10mg/l in 100l of water. The maximum daily dose of the solution is 20ml per 100l of water. The calcium level in a reef aquarium should be approx. 430mg/l.
	Mg Plus Solution increasing the magnesium level in seawater aquariums. Directions for use: 10ml of solution increases the Mg level by 5mg/l in 100l of water. The maximum daily dose of the solution is 20ml per 100l of water. The magnesium level in a reef aquarium should be approx. 1300mg/l.
	Kh Plus Solution increasing carbonate hardness in seawater aquariums. Directions for use: 10ml of solution increases carbonate hardness by 0.5°dKH in 100l of water. The maximum daily dose of the solution is 20ml per 100l of water. The KH hardness in a reef aquarium should be approx. 6.5° – 8.0°dKH (German degrees).

In addition, if the aquarist wants to improve the coloration of corals, we recommend using concentrated micronutrients:

Component A:It is designed to supplement the strontium and barium content of seawater aquariums. Component B:It is designed to supplement the heavy metal content of seawater aquariums. Component C: It is designed to supplement the iodine and fluoride content of seawater aquariums.