Formul8 SimulOcean Gamma | 80 USG

The ionic signature of Formul8 SimulOcean Gamma corresponds with that of natural seawater in which all critical major, minor, and trace ions have been enhanced relative to their natural seawater standardized values, offset with a corresponding reduction in sodium.  Sodium is passively added to the system through application of Carbon8 9.20 or Carbon8 8.35 as a means of maintaining carbonate-, bicarbonate-, and borate-based alkalinity.

This formulation represents the third phase of reef system management through water changes and kalkwasser application, with no additional sources of calcium supplementation, and is appropriate when the secondary phase incorporating Formul8 SimulOcean Beta and kalkwasser application (as a means of pH control, specifically) fails to maintain the user's target [Ca2+] within the desired range.

This formulation is intended for:

• Established recirculating marine reef ecosystems, including reef aquariums, in which the target calcium concentration is maintained through water changes and the application of kalkwasser solution as a means of pH management, with no further method of calcium supplementation.  When this approach ceases to maintain [Ca2+] within the desired range, then the system should be transitioned to Formul8 SimulOcean Delta.

Formulation target values translate smoothly to achieved values within the mixed seawater solution by virtue of our blending process.  With accurate measurements, the user will attain the values shown below to within 1% on every batch, regardless of the volume of water mixed.  Resultantly, no testing of the mixed water is required to confirm and/or adjust values of parameters of interest, such as alkalinity, magnesium, calcium, etc. 

Recommended is to use a reliable and accurate refractometer to confirm that the desired salinity value has been attained.  Digital salinometers and floating hydrometers (regardless of brand in both cases) often prove inconsistent and/or inaccurate regardless of calibration attempts, and are therefore unreliable.  Placing the inhabitants of a system at risk because of inaccurate verification of salinity can be easily avoided by utilizing a reliable refractometer.

Conversion of ionic values shown below incorporates water temperature of 77°F.

• Specifications:
  • Component 1: Sodium chloride, FCC/USP-grade, ≥99.5% purity, free of any additives including anti-caking agents.  User may source this material locally in order to save on overall cost.  In North America, three commonly available examples are: Morton Purex (not TFC Purex, which contains Sodium ferrocyanide as an anti-caking agent); Cargill Hi-Grade Granulated; U.S. Salt Superior General Purpose. These products meet Food Chemical Codex (FCC) standards, and are available from regional suppliers in pallet quantities of 49 bags (50 lbs. each).  For reference, we use Morton Purex.  The use of pool salt is discouraged due to inconsistent purity standards and presence of buffering and anti-caking agents, any of which may have deleterious impacts on aquatic organisms.
  • Component 2: Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, (aka Epsom salt), USP-grade, free of any additives including anti-caking agents.  User may source this material locally in order to save on overall cost.  Any brand of material meeting these specifications is suitable.
  • Component 3: Solution contributing Magnesium, Calcium, and Strontium.
  • Component 4: Solution contributing alkalinity compounds, Potassium, Bromide, Boron, Fluoride, and all critical minor and trace elements.
• Store all components in a secure location, tightly-sealed.  Keep out of reach of children, pets, and unauthorized persons.  Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.  Store in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and other intense light sources.
• Use of this product is subject to Captiv8 Aquaculture Terms and Conditions.  This product is neither intended nor authorized for human consumption.  Review Disclaimer at bottom of page for additional stipulations.
• This product may not be re-sold, in whole or in part, without express written authorization from an officer of Captiv8 Aquaculture.

There are three purchasing options available:

• 1 - 4, the complete mix;
• 2 - 4, requiring that the user supply their own suitable NaCl (Component 1);
• 3 - 4, requiring that the user supply their own suitable NaCl and MgSO4 | 7 (H2O) (Components 1 and 2, respectively).

If sourcing Components 1 and/or 2, then please note that per 80-gallon mix of this salt blend, the following quantities are required:

• Component 1: 18.381 lbs. (8,337.463 g)
• Component 2: 4.767 lbs. (2,162.352 g)

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 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.

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.

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

Per 1 gallon of seawater to be made at S=35.230, use the following amounts:

1. Component 1: 104.2 g
2. Component 2: 27.0 g
3. Component 3: 50.0 mL
4. Component 4: 12.125 mL

Mixing Procedure:

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 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.

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.

Considerations on sourcing Component 1 (NaCl) locally:

Per unit mass, sodium chloride generally comprises >68% of engineered seawater salt.  Resultantly, sodium chloride accounts for >68% of the cost of freight (and carbon footprint) attributable to finished product.  If a local supplier of suitable material can be located, then it is economically advantageous for a user to source an appropriate sodium chloride locally and obtain the remaining components of a seawater salt blend from Captiv8 Aquaculture, rather than have us prepare and ship a complete seawater salt blend which will cost appreciably more per unit mass (particularly as the distance between our production facility and the destination increases).  The same can be said of any producer of a complete seawater salt blend.  The widespread distribution of the aforementioned salt products throughout North America, and products of equivalent quality elsewhere on the planet, make this approach to engineered seawater quite economical.

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, refer to Terms and Conditions. Consult SDS before use.
 


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.