Nutrient control system
Organic and inorganic supplements for the control of Nitrogen and Phosphorus
system principles
The system bases its operation on the simultaneous sequestration by selected bacterial strains of P (Phosphorus), N (Nitrogen) and C (Carbon). This phenomenon occurs during bacterial reproduction, nitrogen and phosphorus are taken from the water column, in particular from nitrates and phosphates, while organic carbon is supplied through Ultra Carbon.
Algae and zooxanthellae are able to use the carbon contained in the CO2 therefore, in the presence of high quantities of nitrates and phosphates, it is easy for the algae to find the right environment to prsoperate.
The bacteria, on the other hand, need a different source (Ultra Carbon), which must be introduced regularly and which, otherwise, would not be available. These bacteria are called "heterotrophs" and have very fast reproduction cycles. They are found within the entire water column and, given their reproductive speed, they are valid competitors of algae, managing to remove high amounts of nutrients from the water more quickly, making them no longer available. The bacterial mass that is generated is removed by the skimmer. To benefit from this natural nutrient reduction system, the skimmer must therefore be well sized. By dosing Ultra Carbon, it is normal to see even more intense skimming. In the absence of a skimmer, this system does not work properly.
Biogenesi contains bacterial strains useful for the elimination of NO3 and PO4, their effectiveness is further accelerated by means of specific enzymes. Ultra Carbon releases calibrated forms of carbon into the water that bacteria can easily use.
It should be noted that only a simultaneous decrease of nitrates and phosphates is possible through the bacterial reproduction system. If one of these two nutrients is deficient or close to zero, it becomes a limiting factor and the system does not function properly.
Balance N
Balance N is a product to be used to rebalance the C-N-P ratio by increasing the Nitrogen content in water.
If the Nitrogen content is too low, natural methods of decreasing nutrients such as PO4 using Ultra Carbon for example can become inefficient.
Rebalancing the C-N-P ratio using Balance N will increase bacterial reproduction and thus nutrient removal. Moreover the correct C-N-P ratio is very important to the growth and wellness of corals.
Ultra Carbon
Ultra Carbon stimulates the reproduction of some species of bacteria to naturally reduce, at the same time, the content of PO4 and NO3 from the aquarium water. This method is very efficient, especially in conjuction with the use of Biogenesi and is based on the Carbon-Phosphorous-Nitrogen ratio inside the cells of the growing bacteria. The excess of bacteria will be removed by the skimmer to complete the system cycle and remove a great quantity of pollutants. This method is really reliable and cost effective compared with other systems like biopellets because of its dosing simplicity and zero electrical costs.
Balance P
Balance P is a product to be used to rebalance the C-N-P ratio by increasing the Phosphorus content in water.
If the Phosphorus content is too low, natural methods of decreasing nutrients such as NO3 using Ultra Carbon for example can become inefficient.
Rebalancing the C-N-P ratio using Balance P will increase bacterial reproduction and thus nutrient removal. Moreover the correct C-N-P ratio is very important to the growth and wellness of corals.
Biogenesi
Biogenesi is a broad-spectrum enzymatic bacterial powder with mineral biocatalysts, indicated to optimize and accelerate the cycles of Nitrogen and Phosphorus and the reactions of mineralization of the organic substance. Thanks to an added pool of optional anaerobic bacteria, it activates the denitrification processes also reducing the sediment layer. In this way a complete and effective filtration is obtained, able to remove nitrates, phosphates and organic matter.
The right C:N:P ratio
The first study on the C:N:P ratio in marine waters is due to Alfred Redfield in 1934. This study analyzed the content of Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus within Phytoplankton from different oceans and found surprising stability with a molar ratio of approximately 106:16:1.
Recent studies have examined the C, N and P content of tropical marine waters, where reefs develop and corals thrive most, setting this ratio at around 12500:150:1.
In more practical terms, this means a PO4:NO3:C ratio in mg/l or ppm of around 1:96:1570.
Further studies and measurements in tropical waters with our friendly research facilities are underway to confirm these theories.
As a general rule, to obtain their maximum splendor, for the breeding of SPS corals we can say that the maximum value of PO4 is 0.03 mg/l while that of NO3 is 3 mg/l. These data are also confirmed by direct observations from us and our collaborators in over 20 years of experience.
When to dose the products
| nitrates | phosphates | ultra carbon | balance n | balance p
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Legenda:
value too high - 
value too low - recommended dosage
Follow the instructions on the label for the correct dosage, or use the online calculator
Effects of nitrates and phosphates
| nitrates | phosphates | green algae | cyanobacteria | colours | growth
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Legend:
value ok - value too high - 
increase - 
decrease - 
stasis
Available formats
Balance N - Balance P
Ultra Carbon
Biogenesi
