**Introduction**
Creating a thriving coral reef aquarium is a labor of love, requiring precise attention to detail and the right balance of essential elements. Coral Essentials offers a range of Primary Care powders, including Calcium Up, Carbonate Up, and Magnesium Up, to help you achieve the ideal environment for your corals. In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of mixing each of these powders, ensuring that your corals receive the care they deserve.
**Mixing Calcium Up**
*Step 1: Determine Your Requirements*
- Calculate the amount (in liters) of Calcium water solution you need.
- Determine the required strength (in ppm) for your aquarium.
- Use the Coral Essentials Calcium Up Calculator to find out how much Calcium Up powder is needed.
*Step 2: Weigh the Powder*
- Using a scale, measure out the precise amount of Calcium Up powder as indicated by the Calculator.
*Step 3: Prepare the Mixing Vessel*
- Select a mixing vessel, like a bucket or open container, and fill it with 3/4 of the final water volume you need. For example, if you aim to make 1 liter of solution, add 750ml of RODI water to the mixing vessel.
*Step 4: Mix the Solution*
- To ensure proper dissolution, use a drill with a small paint mixer or a mixing spoon to slowly add the Calcium Up powder while stirring continuously. Avoid adding all the powder at once.
*Step 5: Complete the Solution*
- Once the Calcium Up powder is fully dissolved, fill the mixing vessel with RODI water to the required volume as determined in Step 1.
*Step 6: Add Trace Elements (Optional)*
- Use the Calculator to determine the amount of trace elements if you want to match Coral Essentials' pre-mixed Calcium + Trace solution.
- Stir the solution thoroughly again.
*Step 7: Fill Your Dosing Container*
- Your freshly mixed Calcium Up solution is ready to be transferred to your dosing container.
**Mixing Carbonate Up**
*Step 1: Determine Your Requirements*
- Calculate the amount (in liters) of Carbonate (or Alkalinity) water solution you need.
- Determine the required strength (in ppm or dKH) for your aquarium.
- Use the Coral Essentials Carbonate Up Calculator to find out how much Carbonate Up powder is required.
*Step 2: Weigh the Powder*
- Using a scale, measure out the precise amount of Carbonate Up powder as indicated by the Calculator.
*Step 3: Prepare the Mixing Vessel*
- Similar to Calcium Up, fill a mixing vessel with 3/4 of the final water volume.
*Step 4: Mix the Solution*
- Slowly add the Carbonate Up powder while stirring continuously to ensure thorough mixing.
*Step 5: Complete the Solution*
- Fill the mixing vessel with RODI water to the required volume determined in Step 1.
*Step 6: Add Trace Elements (Optional)*
- Use the Calculator to determine the amount of trace elements if you want to match Coral Essentials' pre-mixed Carbonate + Trace solution.
- Stir the solution thoroughly again.
*Step 7: Fill Your Dosing Container*
- Transfer your newly mixed Carbonate Up solution to your dosing container.
**Mixing Magnesium Up**
*Step 1: Determine Your Requirements*
- Calculate the amount (in liters) of Magnesium water solution you need.
- Determine the required strength (in ppm) for your aquarium.
- Use the Coral Essentials Magnesium Up Calculator to find out how much Magnesium Chloride and Magnesium Sulphate powder is required.
*Step 2: Weigh the Powder*
- Using a scale, measure out the required amount of each powder as indicated by the Calculator.
*Step 3: Prepare the Mixing Vessel*
- Fill one mixing vessel with 2/5 of the final water volume, for example, 400ml of RODI water for 1L of solution.
*Step 4: Mix the Solution (Magnesium Chloride)*
- Slowly add the Magnesium Chloride powder to the water while stirring continuously.
*Step 5: Mix the Solution (Magnesium Sulphate)*
- In a separate vessel, fill it with 2/5 of the final water volume and add the Magnesium Sulphate powder slowly while stirring continuously.
*Step 6: Combine the Solutions*
- Mix both the Magnesium Chloride and Magnesium Sulphate solutions together in one container. Top up with RODI water to reach the required volume as determined in Step 1.
*Step 7: Add Potassium (Optional)*
- Use the Calculator to determine the amount of Coral Power Potassium if you want to match Coral Essentials' pre-mixed Magnesium + Trace solution.
- Stir the solution thoroughly again.
*Step 8: Fill Your Dosing Container*
- Transfer your freshly mixed Magnesium Up solution to your dosing container.
For optimal mixing, follow the steps as described. However, if you prefer a quicker method, you can mix both Magnesium Chloride and Magnesium Sulphate together in one container.
In all cases, make sure you add just enough RODI water to reach the required liters of solution. Starting with less than the required amount, adding the powder slowly while mixing, and topping up with RODI water to the total volume is key to successful mixing.
By following these instructions, you'll have the confidence to mix Coral Essentials Primary Care powders effectively and provide the best care for your precious corals. Remember, a well-balanced environment is the secret to their health and vitality.