Aragonite new spike

Discussion in 'Sand' started by keats, Feb 17, 2007.

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  1. keats

    keats Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2007
    Messages:
    42
    Location:
    Australia
    Hello all
    I have removed the sand i had for a subtrate and left the base bare for a few weeks now.
    I have just purchaced some Aragonite formula / Florida crushed coral
    What i'm not shure off is should i add it all in one go or a small amounts each day or weekly. Question is really will i get any spikes like nitrite from bacteria
    starting on the new bed i put in if it's done in hit.
    Thanks for any replys
     
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  3. coral reefer

    coral reefer Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
    Messages:
    4,860
    Location:
    Wonderland
    You shouldn't get any spikes in nitrites! I would add it all at once. By the way, how much aragonite are you adding?
    The initial addition of aragonite will lower your alkalinity due to precipitation of magnesium carbonate onto the surface until a coating of biofilm develops. "Biofilm basically coats the aragonite grains and exposes the aragonite surface, so that it no longer has an effect on alkalinity".(Delbeek and Sprung: Reef Aquarium Vol.3-2005.
     
  4. keats

    keats Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2007
    Messages:
    42
    Location:
    Australia
    thanks coral reefer
    Yeh i was just going to put in enough to cover the bottom so you cannot see the glass.
    My tank is a corner unit abou 120 litres and i just have a bommie in the centre.
    with Two catalaphyillia and some polyp type.
    only two fish blue damsel and occ clown.
    thanks