Reef Keeping can be very intimidating for most people. From softies like leathers, to Zoanthids, LPS, and even to SPS, each group provides a unique challenge. For many of us, it is a challenge to go beyond just the minimum requirements, and help our corals not only survive, but flourish in our little slice of ocean.

An understanding of the interactions of a few chemical elements are needed to build and maintain a thriving eco-system. Proper lighting, temperature, and salinity are important, and after them, there are three major elements that seasoned hobbyists and experts agree is the “Holy Trinity of Reef Keeping”. Those elements are Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium. What are they? What do they do, and how do they affect our tank? Why are they so important?

In the video above, Mark Esquenazi from ME Coral explains the purpose of these essential elements, and their importance to the survival of the corals in our tank. We need to carefully monitor these elements as they can be the key to a successful system or its potential downfall.

Hopefully you guys learn a thing or two from this video and stay tuned because so much more is coming!

Happy reefing and enjoy!