The manufacturer informs:

Overview

Complex of major and minor elements and non-conservative trace elements, bound to carbonate, in the proportions contained in aragonite, as well as proteins and lipids of marine origin in the proportions of coral tissue.

At the same time, it provides adequate inorganic and organic nutrients for the growth of both soft tissue and skeletal material according to the needs of hard corals, soft corals (zooxanthellates and azooxanthellates), gorgonians, tridacne worms, tube worms, sponges, tunicates and other invertebrates that feed on suspended particulate matter.

They prefer to feed at night when most corals extend their polyps to catch prey.

It does not require refrigeration.

Formulated by a marine scientist.

Technical Background

Sea 'snow' is a term coined by oceanographers to describe the aggregate of particulate material (which may or may not be of organic origin) that falls to the seabed; this material, in itself, is largely made up of the remains of dead zooplankton and large phytoplankton. These organic particles are usually colonised by various micro-organisms (mainly bacteria and protozoa) during their descent to the seabed; the decomposition that takes place on each particle of organic matter by the 'colony' of micro-organisms recycles the nutrients that were enclosed in it. The constant descent of this particulate matter through the water column has the appearance of snowfall, hence the name 'sea snow'. Although sea snow is mainly associated with the productive regions of the open sea rather than tropical reefs, the concept (with a few refinements to adapt it to the needs of reef-building organisms) can be applied to reef aquaria as a method of simultaneously supplying organic and inorganic nutrients to corals and other invertebrates that feed on suspended particulate matter.

Brightwell Aquatics Reef Snow effectively replicates the concept of sea snow by combining a 'core' of major, minor, trace elements (in the proportions found in aragonite) bound to carbonate, with proteins and fatty acids of marine origin (in the proportions found in coral tissue). It contains no sugar or its derivatives. Reef Snow provides organic and inorganic nutrients to corals, tridacne, tube worms and other invertebrates that feed on suspended particulate; it may be of particular benefit to those enthusiasts wishing to feed azooxanthellate soft corals in deepwater biotope aquaria. The overall benefits of providing these nutrients all in the same 'package' are increased growth rates of both soft and skeletal tissues.

Reef Snow does not require refrigeration, however, storage in a cool place away from light will prolong the life of the product. Refrigeration will maximise the life of the product.

Instructions and Guidelines

Shake well before use. Turn off the skimmer and other forms of mechanical filtration before adding Reef Snow to the aquarium and leave off for 10-15 minutes after feeding before turning on again. 

Most zooxanthellate corals extend their polyps at night, when most corallivorous and zooplanktivorous fish are asleep and the abundance of zooplankton in the water column across the barriera is at its maximum. Therefore, the best time to feed Reef Snow to corals is after the lights in the aquarium have gone out (preferably 1-2 hours later) and the room is dark. Using a low-power torch, illuminate the area immediately upstream of the coral to be fed, then feed as indicated below. The slight turbidity in the aquarium that accompanies the dosing of Reef Snow is the result of the active inorganic components entering solution and quickly dissipating.

Targeted feeding (recommended)Targeted feeding can be carried out using a piece of rigid aerator tubing, a plastic syringe, a pipette, a dropper or a similar tool; dispense 5 ml of the product into a small container and aspirate part of it into the chosen tool, then slowly release the contents 5-10 cm from the organism to be fed, upstream of the current. Repeat this operation as long as deemed necessary. Rinse the part of the feeding tool both externally and internally with fresh water before using it again for aspiration from the bottle; failure to do so will contaminate the product, accelerating its decomposition. Read the 'Notes' below regarding the maximum dosage for use.

Dispersal administration:  Dose 2.5ml of product for every 189 litres (50 gallons) of water in the entire system (aquarium, sump, etc.) in an area of strong water movement every other day for the first four weeks of use, after which the dosage can be increased as required.

Note: Reef Snow should be considered as a type of food. Add no more than 5ml per 189 litres (50 gallons) per day for the first four weeks of use; thereafter the dosage can be gradually increased as desired.

Attention: Keep out of reach of children. Not suitable for human use.

Guaranteed analyses

Moisture (max) 99.30%, crude protein (min) 0.34%, crude fat (min) 0.35%, crude fibre (min) 0.12%.

Ingredients

Carbonate 2,769 mg/oz. (93,600 ppm), Calcium 1,627 mg/oz. (55,000 ppm), Strontium 32.5 mg/oz. (1,100 ppm), Magnesium 4.4 mg/oz. (150 ppm), Potassium 0.3 mg/oz. (10 ppm), moisture (max) 70%, protein (min) 0.5%, lipids (min) 0.15%, fibre (min) 0%.