Table of Common Element Compounds in Natural Sea Water to Watch Out For in Sea Salt Mixes
Although these compounds of common elements are present and harmless in natural sea water (NSW), they are often found at undesirable higher concentrations in some sea salt mixes. Therefore, these elements should be considered when choosing a mix to buy for making up aquarium water.~ Debbie & Stan Hauter
View Table Below ¬
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Salt Mixes - Part 2: Which Brand is the Best to Buy?
|
Found in Natural Sea Water to Watch Out For in Sea Salt Mixes Compiled by Debbie & Stan Hauter |
|
Element Symbol |
|
Notes |
| Nitrogen/Hydrogen |
NH3 Ammonium ion NH4+ |
Even though higher ammonia concentrations are often present in many sea salt mixes, they are not toxic. As a precaution it is wise to add a dechlorinate or aerate freshly mixed salt solutions for a period of about 24 hours before use. |
| Nitrate-Nitrogen
NO3-N, or just N |
NO3- |
Nitrates are one of THE primary nutrient sources of algaes, and if found at higher than normal concentrations in sea salt mixes, they can greatly contribute to algae problems in aquariums. Most test kits measure nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N). To get the ionic nitrate (NO3-) reading, multiply the test results by 4.4. |
| Phosphorus
P |
PO4 |
Phosphates are a primary nutrient of hair algae, and even though an essential trace element in sea water, at higher than normal concentrations in sea salt mixes they can contribute to this type of algae problem in saltwater systems. |
| Silcon
Si |
SiO4 |
Silicate is a primary nutrient of diatoms (brown, and slime type algaes), and even though an important minor element compound in sea water, at higher than normal concentrations in sea salt mixes, it can contribute to these types of algae problems in saltwater systems. |
<< Sea
Salt Mixes - Part 1: What to Look For When Choosing a Mix
>> Sea
Salt Mixes - Part 2: Which Brand is the Best to Buy?
More Related Quick Reference Tables
• Table of Major & Minor Elements in Natural Sea Water
• Table of Top Trace Elements in Natural Sea Water
• Comparison Table of Primary Elements in Brand Name Salt Mixes
• Sea Salt Mixes Poll
Related Resources
• Sea Salt Mixes & Making Up Solutions
• Test Kits & Testing Aquarium Water
• Water Quality & Chemistry Issues
• Sea Salts Product Information
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