Randy Holmes-Farley

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Aquarium Chemistry: Phosphate And Math: Yes You Need To Understand Both

Aquarium Chemistry: Phosphate And Math: Yes You Need To Understand Both

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Phosphate is an ion of great concern to reef aquarists. In fact, aside from calcium and alkalinity, it is probably the chemistry topic on which reef aquarists focus the most. Much of this concern is warranted, with phosphate potentially contributing to algae problems, poor coloration of corals and other invertebrates, and growth of most photosynthetic organisms.…

Aquarium Chemistry: Magnesium In Reef Aquaria

Aquarium Chemistry: Magnesium In Reef Aquaria

Magnesium is the third most abundant ion in seawater, behind sodium and chloride. It is also intimately involved in a great many biological processes in every living organism. Nevertheless, the only time that it comes to the attention of most reef aquarists is when it is suspected of causing a problem in maintaining appropriate calcium and alkalinity.…