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Formul8 Reef

Artificial Seawater Blend (Dry): Enhanced Coral Aquaculture Ionic Values

Pair Formul8 Reef.bmp

Shown: Reef Blueprint (left) and standard Commercial packaging options.

Parameter

  • Salinity

  • pH average

  • Alkalinity

  • Chloride

  • Sulfate

  • Sodium

  • Magnesium

  • Calcium

  • Potassium

  • Bromide

  • Strontium

  • Boron

  • Fluoride

  • Iodide

  • Molybdenum

  • Vanadium

  • Nickel

  • Zinc

  • Manganese

  • Copper

  • Selenium

  • Iron

  • Cobalt

Value

35.4

8.35 +/-0.050

8.00 dKH

19,392.43 ppm

2,712.36 ppm

10,678.70 ppm

1,347.91 ppm

432.70 ppm

419.06 ppm

67.23 ppm

8.34 ppm

4.45 ppm

1.30 ppm

5.584x10-2 ppm

1.055x10-2 ppm

2.000x10-3 ppm

4.695x10-4 ppm

3.925x10-4 ppm

2.747x10-4 ppm

2.542x10-4 ppm

1.342x10-4 ppm

5.585x10-5 ppm

1.768x10-6 ppm

Characteristics

  • Complete artificial seawater salt blend with an ionic composition formulated for coral growers, mixing to a final salinity value of 35.4. Concentrations of Mg, Ca, K, and Sr are linearly increased, while Na is decreased to maintain appropriate salinity value. Enhanced alkalinity. 

  • Minor and trace elements included are specifically those not considered by researchers to be phytotoxic and which exhibit a nutrient-type depth profile in open oceanic waters.

  • Composed of >99% w/w anhydrous materials, with purity not less than that which conforms to FCC grade for major components, and ACS-Reagent grade for minor components.  

  • Due to the purity of components utilized, all Formul8 variants mix to ≥99% clarity of purified water utilized in the seawater preparation.  

  • Ionic consistency between containers generally exceeds 99.5%.  

  • Formul8 blends do not deposit residue on static surfaces, such as mixing vessels and pipes. This also applies to Formul8x blends, assuming that the user employs one of the recommended NaCl products, or NaCl of equivalent purity. 

  • Recommended applications for Formul8 and Formul8x blends are: aquaculture; zoological displays; and scientific research projects demanding the greatest purity of components, homogeneity of blend, and accuracy of ionic values, such as in lab sea surface temperature ​analysis and biotope reproduction.

About

Formul8 Reef is a complete seawater mix which yields linearly-enhanced values of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and strontium, offset by decreased sodium in order to attain a salinity value of 35.4. This formulation: mixes clear within minutes; does not leave a residue in mixing vessels; features ionic consistency ≥99.5% between containers; is produced in Captiv8 Aquaculture’s private, climate-controlled facility; contains no organic components or microbes; has undergone extensive testing and use in commercial coral aquaculture facilities.

Discussion

​Astute observers will notice that the minor and trace elements incorporated into this and the other Formul8 and Formul8x formulations are those which are specifically demonstrated by oceanographic researchers to exhibit nutrient-type depth profiles, and which are not considered phytotoxic at NSW values; this list conforms with our minor and trace element solution, Isol8 MT, which is intended to be dosed into recirculating seawater systems as a means of maintaining NSW values, at the daily rate of 1 mL / 250 gallons, or 1 drop (0.05 mL) per 12.5 gallons.

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Lanthanide metals (Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Promethium, Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, and Lutetium) are not incorporated into these formulations; this decision has been made as a result of the massive body of evidence which shows that these elements, collectively, are phytotoxic in concentrations which are at or below those of their respective NSW values (assuming S=35.0).  Additionally, barium and chromium salts are excluded on grounds of contact toxicity.
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This and other artificial seawater formulations produced by Captiv8 Aquaculture are available with and without bromide.  The standard formulations include bromide.  When present, the bromide concentration will reflect documented values for the water body being replicated.

Application

Keep out of reach of children and unauthorized persons. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Store in a cool, dry location away from sunlight.

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CAUTION: Dry components are hygroscopic (moisture-wicking); do not expose to moisture prior to use, and keep containers sealed when not in use. Dry components will irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes; do not handle without personal protective equipment in place.

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Any volume of seawater can be produced using Formul8, with ionic consistency being directly proportional to the accuracy of component measurement by the User.  An accurate digital scale, with a resolution of 0.1 g, is generally adequate for weighing dry components in this application; recommended is to ensure that the scale is properly calibrated at least once a month using calibration weights.  For measuring liquid components, a set of graduated cylinders or beakers with molded-in graduations is recommended.  All of these items are available through online resellers, and need not be expensive.  Their initial cost is gradually offset by the savings of not needing to pre-test water.

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Follow the mixing procedure; failing, precipitation may occur and prolong mixing process.  Pre-measuring the four components prior to beginning mixing is recommended.  Do not directly mix Components 3 and 4 together, as they will precipitate.  If using the same beaker or graduated cylinder to measure Components 3 and 4, then rinse measuring vessel with fresh water after measuring Component 3, and again after measuring Component 4.

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Follow mixing procedure as directed below, filling mixing vessel to approximately 80% of final desired volume with purified water before proceeding as directed.  

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Per 1 gallon of seawater to be made at S=35.4, use the following amounts:

 

  1. Component 1: 107.1 g

  2. Component 2: 27.4 g

  3. Component 3: 50.0 mL

  4. Component 4: 12.125 mL

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Mixing Procedure:

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1. Fill a clean mixing vessel with purified water to approximately 80% of final desired volume with purified water.

2. When water depth in mixing vessel is sufficient, begin circulating with a submersible pump.

3. Slowly, avoiding splashing, add appropriate mass of Components 1 and 2, and permit both to dissolve entirely before proceeding; with moderate water circulation, this generally takes ≤3 minutes.

4. Add appropriate volume of Component 3 to mixing vessel, allow solution to circulate for 60 seconds, then add appropriate volume of Component 4 to mixing vessel. Do not directly mix Components 3 and 4 together, as they will precipitate. 

5. Add purified water until total volume or desired salinity value is achieved. Circulate solution until pH value remains stable. For lower salinity value, dilute with additional purified water until desired salinity is reached. Store unused seawater solution in sealed vessel. Ensure that temperature of seawater solution matches system water temperature before use.

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Disclaimer

Notice: It is not possible to eliminate all risks associated with the use, handling, or storage of this product. Ineffectiveness, injury to crops and/or livestock, or other unintended consequences may result due to factors outside the control of Captiv8 Aquaculture or the seller. Buyer or user shall assume all such risks. For details, go to Terms and Conditions. Consult SDS before use.

 

Disclaimer: Captiv8 Aquaculture warrants that this product conforms to the description, and is reasonably fit for the purposes described, on its label. In no event shall Captiv8 Aquaculture or the seller be held liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, loss, or injury, including, without limiting, lost profits, resulting from the use or handling of this product. The exclusive remedy of the buyer or user for all claims shall be the return of the purchase price of this product. Express and implied warranties are disclaimed. Captiv8 Aquaculture does not authorize any agent or representative to make any other warranty, guarantee, or representation concerning this product.

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For sale by Captiv8 Aquaculture and its authorized dealers, only.

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