One of the main tasks in aquarium care is keeping the water rich with all the essential minerals & elements needed by the livestock. Nature provides these ingredients naturally, however we have to add them.

Aquarium Illusions stocks all the water additives needed to keep a healthy and balanced aquarium. We also pay careful attention to the quality and the results provided by the additives we carry. Our Professional Maintenance Service allows us the exposure to many different systems with different additive needs. We carry what we trust and use ourselves in the field and in our store.

Giving your livestock what it needs to grow & thrive is very important

As you start to acquire new livestock (ie: coral, invertebrates, and fish) and add them into your aquarium, they begin to grow and consume nutrients/elements from the water. As you can imagine, the more corals, inverts, and fish you have, the quicker many trace elements are consumed. Most trace elements cannot be replenished with water changes alone, and supplementary additives are necessary to maintain stable water chemistry, and steady coral/invert growth.

The following Additives are important to the success of your reef:

Calcium and alkalinity (carbonate hardness) are said to be two of the most important parameters to maintain in a reef aquarium. Maintaining a, daily, balanced relationship between the two has been the subject of many authors. They are critical to coral growth in a process known as ‘calcification’, the growth of coral skeletons. There are different varieties of calcium additives to choose from.

Iodine is an often-overlooked element. Maintaining a natural of level of iodine benefits creatures such as shrimp, crabs, some soft corals and is utilized by macro algae in their growth cycle as. Iodine is also believed to be a ‘preventative’ additive, in that it often is used to treat/prevent many coral ailments. There are many additives on the market that will supplement iodine. Look for products containing iodine or iodide to assist you in maintaining a natural level in your aquarium

Strontium, Magnesium, Molybdenum, and Iron are often supplemented in small amounts. All of which aid in, and play an important role in the growth and expansion of corals, the growth of many inverts, and the life cycle of macro algaes. All of the above may be supplemented individually by products targeted at specific elements, or by additives that add all of the listed elements and other minor trace elements, in proportionate amounts, that can be added at routine intervals.

Vitamins and fatty acids are crucial to coral/fish health and nutrition. Many ‘all-in-one’ additives on the market contain a combination of critical vitamins ( A andB12), fatty acids, marine lipids, and minor trace elements , to keep your aquarium healthy and vibrant. Addition of these leads to better coloration and expansion of the corals, and promotes fish growth and health.

Salt Mixes are needed to turn plain water into saltwater. It is important to have a good quality salt mix to perform this important function. Inferior salt mixes leave your system lacking and require you to make up the losses with additional water additive dosing. Aquarium Illusions is very particular on the salt brands they carry. We perform independent testing in various systems before we choose to support a brand. We also use what we sell in our own store systems.

Qualities a salt must have to pass our quality testing:

• Well balanced salt containing all essential minerals and nutrients
• Ease of mixing and dissolves quickly without clouding
• Positive results are apparent with coral growth and appearance
• Quality manufacturing techniques that provide a consistent product with every batch
• Salt formulations that are appropriate for different water types IE: RO
• Water and Tap Water
• Selections that meet quality standards and are competitively priced
• Salt formulations that work for different aquarium types IE: Reef or Fish Only

Look for these trusted Water Additive Brands:

Seachem, Fauna Marin, Ecosystem Aquarium, Bluevet, Red Sea, Boyd’s, Aquarium Pharmceuticals, Kordon, Ruby Reef, Bluelife, Caribsea, Walt Smith, Interpet, Julian Sprung, Aquacraft, DND H2 Ocean Pro, Microbelift, Pura, Brightwell Aquatics

Test your Water Parameters

Before adding any trace element it is necessary to test your existing levels. Water molecules are able to hold a specific number molecules of other elements, if too much of one element is present, another is displaced from the water column. This is often referred to as an “ionic imbalance”. In this state, adding more of a trace element will not correct the problem. Regularly testing your calcium and alkalinity levels is important in maintaining the proper proportions.

Aquarium Illusions carries the full line of test kits and digital monitors.

Please let our experienced Service Representatives assist you in picking the proper water additives for your tank needs.