Replicates marine snow for corals an other suspension feeding marine
invertebrates.
Overview:
Complex of carbonate-bound, non-conservative major, minor, and trace elements
in aragonite ratios, as well as marine-derived proteins and lipids in coral
tissue ratios.
Simultaneously delivers appropriate inorganic and organic nutrients required
by stony corals, both zooxanthellate and azooxanthellate soft corals,
gorgonians, clams, tube worms, sponges, tunicates, and other suspension-feeding
invertebrates for growth of both soft tissue and skeletal material.
Ideally fed at night when most corals extend their tentacles for prey capture.
Does not require refrigeration.
Formulated by a marine scientist.
Technical Background:
Marine snow is a term coined by oceanographers to describe aggregate
particulate material (which may or may not be organic) falling towards the sea
floor; the material, itself, is largely composed of the remnants of deceased
zooplankton and large phytoplankton. These organic particles typically become
colonized by various microorganisms (primarily bacteria and protozoans) during
their descent towards the sea floor; the decomposition of the organic material
by the microorganism “colony” on each particle recycles the nutrients locked up
within it. The constant descent of these particles through the water column has
the appearance of snow fall, hence the name “marine snow”. While marine snow is
primarily associated with productive regions of the open ocean rather than
tropical coral reefs, the concept (with some improvements adressing the
requirements of reef-building organisms) may be applied to reef aquaria as a
means of simultaneously delivering organic and inorganic nutrients to corals
and other suspension-feeding invertebrates. Brightwell Aquatics Reef Snow
effectively replicates the concept of marine snow by combining a “core
substrate” of carbonate-bound, non-conservative major, minor, and trace
elements (all in aragonite ratios) with marine-derived proteins and fatty acids
all in coral tissue ratios). It does not contain any sugars or their
derivatives. Reef Snow delivers both organic and inorganic nutrients to corals
and their allies, clams, tube worms, and other suspension-feeding marine
invertebrates; it may be of particular benefit to the hobbyist wishing to
maintain azooxanthellate soft corals in deep-water biotope aquaria. The
collective benefits of providing these nutrients in the same “package” are
increased growth rates of both soft tissue and skeletal material.
Reef Snow does not require refrigeration, however storage in a cool, shaded
area will prolong the shelf-life. Refrigeration will maximize the shelf-life of
the product.