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.