KoralColor

Proprietary blend of major, minor, and trace elements for coral color intensification. KoralColor encourages increased coloration in corals by providing numerous elements important to the formation of various biochromes (biological pigments) in plant and animal cells. Formulated specifically to provide trace quantities of elements for gradual formation of biochromes in zooxanthallate corals, clams, and their allies. 17 oz treats 12,500 gallons.

Please click on "More Information" for instructions and guidelines.

Basic: Add 1 ml (approximately 20 drops) per 25 gallons of aquarium water every three days (alternatively, twice a week). If using the products in a particularly small aquarium (i.e. = 10 gallons), dilute 1 ml of KoralColor in 8 fl oz of purified water and add 1 fl oz of the resultant solution per 3 gallons twice a week (i.e. Wednesday and Saturday).

Recommended: Add one drop per 5 gallons daily. If using the product in a particularly small aquarium (i.e. = 5 gallons), dilute one drop of KoralColor in 8 fl oz of purified water and add 4 fl oz of the resultant solution per 2.5 gallons daily. It is not uncommon for the coloration of some of the lighter, "warm colored" pigments (such as yellow and pale orange) in corals and clams to take on a slightly "cooler" coloration (such as lime or aqua). If this is observed and is undesirable, decrease dosing by 25% on a weekly basis until the original color returns to the organism and then maintain the new dosage.

The general purpose of providing the elements incorporated into biochromes is not necessarily color change but color intensification. Because every aquarium presents different chemical and biological conditions, the dosage provided above are intended as general guidelines, to which the hobbyists should alter as the requirements and appearance of the aquarium inhabitants dictate. Use this product responsibly and only as directed.

Ingredients: Purified water, proprietary blend of major, minor, and trace elements known to be incorporated into biological pigments (biochromes).

Overview

• Provides numerous elements important to the formation of various biochromes (biological pigments), complexes molecules that give coloration to plants and animal cells through their selective color-absorption and reflection characteristics.
• Formulated specifically to provide trace quantities of elements for gradual incorporation into, and formation of, biochromes known to occur within zooxanthallae, such as Chlorophyll A and C, Beta Carotene, and Xanthophylls.
• Does not influence population density of zooxanthallae, which would put the overall health and survival of the host organism in a precarious situation.

Technical Background
In many ways, aquarium husbandry may be thought of as an artistic expression of the hobbyists in which living organisms are the figurative color on a painter's canvas. Images of vividly colored marine fishes and invertebrates co-existing in reef ecosystems are the inspiration of many marine aquarium hobbyists, and the acquisition (and maintenance) of healthy, colorful corals and clams is a primary aspect of achieving the desired appearance of a captive reef habitat. Much of the observed coloration of corals, clams, and their allies is attributed to biological pigments created by symbiotic zooxanthallae residing within their tissues. These pigments are termed "Biochromes" and their formation and perceived appearance are at least partially influenced by the presence of trace elements that form the basis of more complex molecules. Certain characteristics of the light source(s) used to illuminate the aquarium will also influence the observed coloration of an organism. However, the actual coloration of the organisms will still be primarily dictated by the pigments present, their ratios to one another in the tissue, and other physical, chemical, and biological factors.

KoralColor provides elements that are known to be incorporated into a number of biochromes. Used as directed, KoralColor will provide elements that may be utilized by captive marine organisms to enhance their coloration. It is not intended for use as a general supplement for maintaining natural seawater concentration of elements for the purpose of satisfying enzymatic and neurological requirements of aquarium inhabitants.