Tropic Marin Phos-Start

Tropic Marin Phos-Start can be used to start all types of marine aquariums

Tropic Marin® Phos-Start is designed with inspiration from the nutrient supply mechanisms found in natural coral reef environments. In these settings, fish and plankton release insoluble, particulate excretions that provide corals with phosphate and other essential substances needed for a healthy microbiology, robust coral growth, and vibrant colors. Tropic Marin® has harnessed this knowledge to create a unique product that facilitates the start-up of reef aquariums.

Tropic Marin® Phos-Start is suitable for starting all types of marine aquariums, particularly reef aquariums that utilize fully cured rock or reef ceramics, as well as bare bottom reef setups. These types of aquariums often have limited supply of organic bacterial food and nutrients, which are vital for stimulating bacterial and coralline algae growth. By using Tropic Marin® Phos-Start, you can effectively bridge the nutrient and mineral supply gap in these aquariums, promoting healthy coralline algae growth. Additionally, it prepares the aquarium to support and nurture corals, including the most sensitive SPS corals.

The microbiome receives essential particulate phosphate, along with bacterial food, calcium, and trace elements in fine particle form. These nutrients are dosed precisely, preventing unwanted nutrient spikes in the water column. Later on, these particles can be easily filtered out and utilized by the corals, resulting in enhanced coral growth with natural skeletal structures and brilliant colors, reminiscent of a thriving coral reef in its natural habitat.

Benefits:

• Ideal for use during the first 2 to 3 months of the initial cycling phase and in a young aquarium.

• Tropic Marin® Phos-Start features natural marine biopolymers as bacterial food, stimulating the microbiome during the start-up phase of your new marine aquarium.

• Calcium and trace elements are included to encourage and support coralline algae growth.

• Halogen trace elements such as iodide, fluoride, and bromide are incorporated to replace elements consumed by the increased growth rate of coralline algae and corals.

• Recent studies indicate that the insoluble, particulate form of these components is significantly more effective for promoting coralline algae and coral growth, coloration, and care than soluble liquid forms.

• Tropic Marin Phos-Start and Tropic Marin Phos-Feed are the first products to deliver insoluble particulate phosphate minerals to reef aquariums in this naturally targeted manner.

Ingredients:

Natural calcium carbonate microparticles, phosphate mineral powder, natural biopolymers, iodide, fluoride, and bromide. Available in a 75g can.

Application & Dosage:

Application: Use during the first 2 to 3 months of the initial cycling phase in a young aquarium. Tropic Marin® Phos-Start can be added at any time, day or night. However, since the application may cause some cloudiness in the water, it is best to dose it around the time the aquarium lights are turned off to take advantage of the corals’ nocturnal polyp opening. The temporary turbidity is normal, and the water will become particularly clear after it settles.

To apply, fill a container halfway with approximately 200ml of water from the reef aquarium (do not use reverse osmosis water) and add the calculated amount of Tropic Marin® Phos-Start. Stir the mixture well, then pour the suspension into the aquarium’s water current, rinsing the container with aquarium water.

Dosage: Begin with a daily dosage of 1ml (small measuring spoon) of Tropic Marin® Phos-Start for every 400 liters (100 US gallons) of aquarium water. If, after four weeks, the phosphate concentration does not reach between 0.05 ppm and 0.15 ppm, increase the dosage to 2ml (larger measuring spoon) per 400 liters (100 US gallons).

It is advisable not to exceed a maximum dosage of 4ml per 400 liters (100 US gallons).

Note: A temporary increase in algae growth is a normal occurrence during the start-up phase of marine aquariums and should not be a cause for concern. An initial temporary brownish discoloration of corals indicates the desired nutrient regulation within the aquarium and is also not a cause for worry.

After completing the cycling process and the first 2 to 3 months of operation, we recommend switching to Tropic Marin Phos-Feed for targeted phosphate dosing.