Description
Trace Colours for a healthy reef
Red Sea’s Trace Colours are a range of liquid supplements designed to keep reef tanks healthy. Together, Trace Colours A, B, C & D are a complete range of major, minor and trace element complexes.
In addition to the foundation elements – calcium, alkalinity and magnesium, corals contain 31 minor and trace elements in their skeletons and soft tissue. All of these minor and trace elements have an important role to play in the biology of corals (including metabolism and colouration). These elements become depleted regularly from the surrounding water as the corals utilise them. Therefore, replenishing them is necessary for optimum coral growth, health and colouration.
Trace Colours A, B, C & D divide the 31 elements into 4 complementary product groups. The 4 bottles enable easy replenishment to optimal levels.
For best results in displaying coral colours use Red Sea’s Trace Colours A, B, C & D in conjunction with Red Sea’s NO3:PO4-X
A – Iodine+
Iodine+ contains iodine and other halogens that are associated with many biological processes. One of these being the production of the pink pigments in the soft tissue of corals.
The halogens act both as antioxidants and oxidative agents within the soft tissue and mucus layer of corals, reducing the possibility of coral bleaching.
In active reef systems, these elements are depleted quickly due to their high oxidative abilities and reactivity with organic materials. Iodine and bromine are related to the pink chromo-protein (pocciloporin).
B – Potassium+
Potassium+ contains potassium and boron that are associated with many biological processes, one of them being the production of the red pigments in the soft tissue of corals.
This supplement plays an essential role in the transportation of coral nutrients within the soft tissue (including the nutrients provided by the zooxanthellae). Potassium and boron significantly affect the alkalinity of a coral’s soft tissue and the formation of aragonite in its skeleton. Potassium is related to the red chromo-proteins.
C – Iron+
A complex of eight “light” metals that includes iron, manganese, cobalt, copper, aluminium, zinc, chrome and nickel.
These micro-elements are essential for many bio-chemical metabolic processes, including respiration, production of energy, chlorophyll and photosynthetic catalysts. C elements are related to the green/yellow chromo-proteins. Although all corals utilise iron and these trace elements to stay healthy.
D – Bioactive Elements
Bioactive Elements contain 18 the elements (out of all the trace elements in NSW) that participate in the metabolic processes inside a coral’s skeleton and soft tissue. One of these processes being the production of the purple/blue pigments in the soft tissue of corals. That means that this additive is especially good for promoting purple and blue colours in your reef.
Learn more about coral colours & Red Sea’s Trace Elements Program:
Click here to see the Iron+ Trace Colours C Material Safety Data Sheet
