ESV Aquarium Products

B-Ionic® Nitrate

We are proud to introduce B-Ionic® Nitrate which is a concentrated source of nitrate in the form of a highly purified calcium nitrate solution. Maintaining nitrate concentrations slightly higher than natural reef levels has been observed by many aquarists to be beneficial to coral health and coloration. This may be because higher levels of nitrate compensate for the lack of planktonic food organisms and particulate organic nitrogen available to corals in the wild. Biological assimilation and denitrification converts the nitrate added into carbonate alkalinity, so there is no accumulation of sodium or potassium, which are difficult to test for. Higher nitrate levels may also assist organic breakdown and prevent hydrogen sulfide in anoxic/anaerobic areas of rock and sand. When phosphate levels are already high, increasing food input can be problematic when trying to raise nitrate levels because food also imports phosphate. B-Ionic® Nitrate provides a solution by raising nitrate without increasing phosphate. 1ml/20 gals. of aquarium water adds 1 ppm nitrate.

B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System

Maintaining calcium and alkalinity levels shouldn't be complicated. Simplify with the original easy-to-use ionically balanced 2-part buffer system. It's an economical alternative to a calcium reactor, and when used in equal parts, the aquarist can easily maintain calcium and alkalinity levels with no mixing of powders, disruption of ionic balance, or addition of organic chemicals. In addition to supplying highly concentrated calcium and carbonate alkalinity required for calcification, B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System is also formulated to provide all other important major, minor, and trace elements in the proper ratios to duplicate the composition of synthetic seawater. As a result, B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System will help restore inorganic ions lost from protein skimming and help maintain the ionic balance of your aquarium water.

Available in ready to use units - 32 fl. oz., 64 fl. oz., 2 gallon, 10 gallon
Also available in concentrate (must be diluted) - 2 gallon, 8 gallon, 20 gallon

Download:

• B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System Component 1 ALKALINITY MSDS
• B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System Component #2 CALCIUM MSDS

B-Ionic Transition Elements & B-Ionic Transition Elements PLUS+

is the latest product by ESV, formulated by Bob Stark in collaboration with Joe Yaiullo. B-Ionic Transition Elements PLUS+ changes the nutrient dynamics of reef aquaria without the use of specialized chemical media. It provides a conservative level of organic carbon, synergistically combined with trace elements to maximize heterotrophic bacterial uptake of nitrate and phosphate. B-Ionic TE Plus+ can also provide many potential benefits such as enhanced production of marine snow, and mitigation of any hydrogen sulfide release within the aquarium. Also, enhanced coral coloration, better polyp extension, and increased water clarity have been observed with the use of B-Ionic TE Plus+. This product has been formulated to prevent accumulation of the transition elements it provides.

Also available is B-Ionic Transition Elements, which provides all trace element benefits of the PLUS+ without the organic carbon dosing. This product is suitable for aquariums already running below 5ppm nitrate, or for those using other forms of organic carbon dosing, such as vodka addition or organic pellet reactors.

Available in 8 fl. oz., 32 fl. oz., 1 gallon, and 5 gallon.

Download:

• B-Ionic Transition Elements
• B-Ionic Transition Elements PLUS+

B-Ionic Seawater System

Our B-Ionic Seawater System is a unique four-part system for mixing the purest, most consistent synthetic seawater available to the marine aquarist. It is recognized that most reagent grade salts can contain contaminants (trace metals, etc.) at levels which may inhibit the growth of some algae species from low nutrient environments (oligotrophic) such as coral reefs. We address this issue by providing ultra-low heavy metal Sodium Chloride (maximum allowable lead concentration; lower than half the maximum allowable for reagent grade sodium chloride) and USP grade Magnesium Sulfate as the dry components of the system. All other chemicals pre-dissolved in our liquid components are subject to our three phase purification process, resulting in significant lowering of contaminants, including phosphate. The many dry blends that are available on the market today may not be homogeneous, which can result in considerable chemical variations, not only from batch to batch, but also from within the same container. Furthermore, humidity contamination during storage can result in localized precipitation reactions. The B-Ionic Seawater System avoids these issues by providing the dry components of our formulation in separate containers. All other major, minor, and trace elements are pre-dissolved in a highly concentrated two component liquid system. These components can then be easily measured for any size batch of synthetic seawater. Because we provide all of the slower dissolving ingredients in our liquid components, Batches mix quickly, and can be used within 10 minutes of preparation with no adverse effects, providing the initial RO and/or DI water contains sufficient dissolved oxygen.

Available in 25 gal, 50 gal, 100 gal, 200 gal refill unit, 1000 gal store use unit*

* - Can only be shipped via freight service. Also availble in 1,000 gal liquid only unit when user can source their own Sodium Chloride and Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate (Epsom Salt)

Download:

• B-Ionic Seawater Magnesium Sulfate MSDS
• B-Ionic Seawater Sodium Chloride MSDS
• B-Ionic Seawater Component A MSDS
• B-Ionic Seawater Component B MSDS

B-Ionic Magnesium

Our B-Ionic Magnesium supplement is a simple, one component liquid supplement which, when used in conjunction with our B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System, or Calcium Hydroxide (kalkwasser powder), will not disrupt the ionic balance of closed marine aquaria. Through the chemical process known as "ion-pairing", magnesium ion concentration influences the saturation point for calcium carbonate in solution. B-Ionic Magnesium does not contain nitrates, phosphates, organics, or chelating agents.

Available in 32 fl. oz., 1 gallon, 5 gallon

Download:

• B-Ionic Magnesium MSDS

Granular Activated Carbon

Our Granular Activated Carbon based on bituminous coal provides the best combination of pore size, particle size, high surface area, low ash, and hardness for chemically filtering aquarium water. In addition, test results indicate no leaching of phosphate. The high hardness level of this carbon prevents the dispersion of particles throughout the aquarium, which is more likely to occur with softer grades of carbon. Our Granular Activated Carbon meets American Water Works Association and Food Chemical Codex requirements.

Available in 15 oz., 3.5 lbs., 20 lbs., and 65 lbs. bulk box

Download:

• Granular Activated Carbon MSDS

Potassium Iodide 1% Solution

Iodide is an important micro-nutrient for many marine plants. It has also been suggested that iodide may play an important role in enhancing a coral's ability to adapt to rapid changes in light intensity and spectrum. Our Potassium Iodide 1% Solution is a very pure, high soluble form of inorganic iodide, which makes it ideal for maintaining dissolved iodide levels in marine aquaria.

Available in 8 fl. oz., 16 fl. oz., 1 gallon

Download:

• Potassium Iodide 1% Solution MSDS

Strontium Chloride 20% Solution

Strontium Chloride is a highly soluble form of inorganic strontium which makes it ideal for maintaining dissolved strontium levels in your marine aquarium. Like calcium chloride, strontium chloride has the potential to lower alkalinity levels after prolonged use. Our Strontium Chloride Solution is a very pure and concentrated form of strontium, free of phosphates or nitrates.

Available in 8 fl. oz., 16 fl. oz., 1 gallon

Download:

• Strotium Chloride 20% Solution MSDS

Liquid Carbonate Buffer

Liquid Carbonate Buffer is a one component liquid additive with an alkalinity value of 2476 meq/L, in the form of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. Liquid Carbonate Buffer is useful for raising alkalinity in aquariums which already have high calcium concentrations (over 500 ppm) as it only raises alkalinity and does not supply calcium. Once the balance between calcium and alkalinity has been restored, we recommend B-Ionic Calcium Buffer and/or Calcium Hydroxide (kalkwasser powder) for maintaining calcium and alkalinity. Liquid Carbonate Buffer is also an extremely effective agent for destroying aiptasia anemones if a small quantity is injected into them.

Available in 32 fl oz., and 1 gallon

Download:

• Liquid Carbonate Buffer MSDS

Calcium Hydroxide (Kalkwasser Powder)

Calcium Hydroxide is a proven standard for maintaining calcium concentration and alkalinity in closed marine aquaria. The calcium provided is directly used by calcifying organisms, and the hydroxide ions provided readily convert dissolved CO2 into bicarbonate and carbonate ions, which are also directly used by calcifying organisms. Our product is extremely pure and meets American Water Works Association and Water Chemical Codex requirements.

Available in 14 oz., 3.5 lb., and 22 lb.

Download:

• Calcium Hydroxide (Kalkwasser Powder) MSDS

Dried Phytoplankton Amino Enhanced (Time Released)

Dried Phytoplankton Amino Enhanced TR (DPAE-TR) is the new and improved amino acid enhanced version of the Dried Marine Phytoplankton Time Released (DMP-TR). In addition to the same species of phytoplankton found in the older DMP-TR, DPAE-TR contains other non-gmo cultured aquatic celled organisims which raise the protein level by 56%. DPAE-TR supplies larger particles which gradually break down into single cells (6-8 microns) as the material passes through the circulation pumps of the aquarium. The particles exhibit excellent buoyancy characteristics. This makes DPAE-TR the most versatile food available to he reef aquarist. DPAE-TR effectively eliminates the need for purchasing or culturing live phytoplankton cultures for your reef aquarium. Phytoplankton is an important first step in the food chain. Daily addition of DPAE-TR will not only directly feed the larger inhabitants of your reef aquarium. but also promote the production of zooplankton which in turn can be a valuable food source for your reef inhavitants. Depending on the feeding method employed, DPAE-TR functions as a filter-feeder food for corals and other invertebrates, fish food, larval fish food, larval invertebrate food, and an enrichment food for Artemia and rotifer culture. The abundance of HUFA's found in DPAE-TR causes the foam in protein skimmers to collapse briefly allowing the algae cells longer residence time in your aquarium before being exported by skimming. Although the very high levels of HUFA's (especially Docosahexaenoic Acid shown to be critical for proper marine larval development) makes DPAE-TR unique, it also functions as a source for the following trace elements, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals: Cobalt, Copper, Iodide, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Selenium, Silicon, Tin, Vanadium, Zinc, Vitamins A, E, B12, C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, Choline, Niacin, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Gylcine, Alanine, Cystine, Valine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Lysine-HCL, Histidine-HCL, Arginine-HCL, Tryptophan, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Magnesium, Sulfur, and Chloride.

Available in 1.5 oz., 3 oz., and 18.52 oz. Bulk sizes available upon request

Ultra-White Calcium Carbonate Reef Substrate - Fine Grade

Our Ultra-White Substrate provides the whitest calcium carbonate based sand available to the marine aquarist. This translates to greater efficiency of lighting systems by providing increased levels of reflected light from the aquarium bottom. The very fine particle size of the predominantly calcite sand offers many advantages to the aquarist. Finer sands provide an environment which supports a wider diversity of substrate dwelling species than coarser grade sands. It has been our experience that these organisms quickly establish themselves as recruits from live rock. This process usually takes about one month. Seeding with "live sand" may speed up the process and increase the diversity of substrate dwelling organisms. The addition of live sand is not essential for this product to perform as a denitrifying habitat within closed aquaria. The fine particle size also prevents entrapment of larger detritus particles, provides efficient denitrifying zones with as little as one inch depth, and facilitates dissolution of sand by providing very high surface area. We recommend 1.5 to 2 inches of sand. 8.25 pounds of sand will cover 1 square foor of tank bottom with a sand layer 1 inch deep.

Available in 50 lb. bags

Ultra-White Calcium Carbonate Reef Substrate - Coarse Grade

This is the larger particle size version of our Ultra-White Fine Grade Substrate for aquarium with very high water velocity, or for hobbyists who simply prefer larger particle sizes. 8.25 pounds of substrate will cover 1 square foot of tank bottom with a substrate layer 1 inch deep. The source of our Ultra-White Substrate is NSF certified for use in potable drinking water, and is extremely pure, making the coarse grade an ideal calcium reactor media. Testing has shown no detectable addition of orthophosphate to the aquarium from the reactor.

Available in 50 lb. bags

Calcium Chloride

Our Calcium Chloride is a highly soluble form of inorganic calcium which makes it ideal for rapidly raising dissolved calcium levels in marine aquaria. It is a very pure anhydrous grade free of phosphate and nitrates. The highly soluble property allows the aquarist to rapidly adjust calcium concentrations to desired levels. The aquarist should be aware that Calcium Chloride does not add bicarbonate and carbonate ions to the system. Since most calcifying organisms require these ions in addition to calcium ions, the aquarist should monitor alkalinity frequently when using Calcium Chloride, and make the proper adjustments with a buffer additive. Calcium Chloride can directly reduce alkalinity by elevating the calcium ion concentration to excessively high levels, and thereby initiate the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the water. This may or may not be visibly detectable, depending on the magnitude of precipitation. Excessive use of Calcium Chloride may disrupt the balance of ions in a marine system by the continued addition of chloride ions. We recommend B-Ionic Calcium Buffer or Calcium Hydroxide as better long-term calcium and alkalinity supplements, but Calcium Chloride can be very useful in restoring low calcium ion levels in systems with adequate to high alkalinity levels.

Available in 400 gm., 800 gm., 3,200 gm., and bulk 35 lb. pail

Download:

• Calcium Chloride MSDS

Zap-Gel Instant Adhesive

Zap Gel is a cyanoacrylate gel type instant adhesive. Excellent for gluing stony coral fragments to coral rock and other surfaces. No messy mixing of 2 part epoxy putties, or concern with irritation to tank inhabitants from leaching amine epoxy curing agents. Highest purity cyanoacrylate adhesive available (not diluted with low cost resins).

Available in 3 gm., 20 gm. tubes

Download:

• ZAP Gel MSDS