Our Strontium Chloride Solution is a very pure and concentrated form of
strontium, free of phosphates and nitrates. The aquarist should be aware
that Strontium Chloride does not add bicarbonate and carbonate ions to the
system. Since most calcifying organisms require these ions in addition to
strontium ions, the aquarist should monitor alkalinity frequently when using
Strontium Chloride and make the proper adjustments with a buffer additive.
Exactly how strontium suplementation benefits marine aquaria is a subject
open for debate. Some have demonstrated its effectiveness in precipitating
orthophosphate from the water column. This could result in less problem algae
blooms and enhanced calcification of corals and coralline algae by lowering
phosphates, which has been shown to "poison" calcification. Others have
speculated that less energy is required for calcifying organisms to extract
strontium carbonate than calcium carbonate because of greater insolubility.
Regardless of the mechanism involved, there is strong anecdotal evidence that
marine aquaria dosed with Strontium Chloride show increased growth rates of
coralline algae and hard corals. There have been reports of suspected strontium
toxicity to aquarium inhabitants when large doses were applied, so we recommend
that the aquarist not exceed our maximum recommended dose.
