Aquariums are a beautiful addition to any home or office, but they require careful attention and maintenance to ensure a balanced and healthy environment for their inhabitants. Just like in natural bodies of water, minerals and trace elements play a crucial role in maintaining the health of aquatic animals and their environment.
Without the proper balance of these elements, problems such as poor plant growth, algae growth, and abnormal behavior in aquatic animals can arise, potentially leading to losses.
This is where SaltyShrimp mineral salts come in. The SaltyShrimp team, consisting of a biologist/agricultural engineer and experienced aquarists/breeders, has developed their own blends of mineral salts specifically designed for use in freshwater tanks.
These salts provide aquarium inhabitants with all the essential minerals and trace elements they need for their health and wellbeing, while also supporting the activities of filter bacteria and promoting plant growth.
In this article, we will explore the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy environment in aquariums, the science behind re-mineralization, and the essential trace elements and impurities to consider.
We will also delve into the potential problems that may arise from using chlorides and sulfates in DIY re-mineralizing salts, as well as why the addition of vitamins to re-mineralizing salts may be unnecessary. Finally, we will highlight the scientific approach that SaltyShrimp takes in developing their products and how they can help aquarium owners achieve a stable, healthy biosystem in their tanks.
These minerals and conditioners are meant to be used in conjunction with reverse osmosis water.
The Science Behind Re-Mineralization
Aquatic animals have a unique physiology that is closely intertwined with the water that surrounds them. Unlike animals with impermeable skin, aquatic animals rely on their environment to maintain their wellbeing.
Fluctuations in water composition can have a direct impact on their cellular metabolism, which can lead to changes in their cellular functions.
This is where re-mineralization comes in. Re-mineralization involves adding minerals and trace elements back into the water to maintain a healthy and balanced environment for aquatic animals.
The right mixture and dosage of these elements are crucial, as an imbalance or overdose can lead to serious problems such as poor plant growth, algae growth, and abnormal behavior in aquatic animals.
The SaltyShrimp team recognized the importance of re-mineralization and the potential problems that can arise from an imbalanced environment. Drawing on their knowledge of biochemical processes and experiences as aquarists/breeders, they developed their own blends of mineral salts.
These blends are specifically formulated to provide the necessary minerals and trace elements for freshwater tanks, promoting the health and wellbeing of aquarium inhabitants.
By understanding the science behind re-mineralization and the importance of maintaining a balanced environment, aquarium owners can provide the necessary elements for their aquatic animals to thrive. SaltyShrimp’s mineral salts are a testament to the importance of careful research and development in creating products that support the growth and health of aquarium inhabitants.
Essential Trace Elements and Impurities
Maintaining a balanced environment in aquariums involves adding essential trace elements to the water. However, not all trace elements are essential, and some can even be harmful if present in high quantities.
Only a maximum of 22 trace elements are considered essential for aquatic animals, and the right mixture and dosage of these elements are crucial for maintaining a healthy environment. SaltyShrimp’s mineral salts are specifically formulated to provide these essential elements, ensuring the health and wellbeing of aquarium inhabitants.
Impurities can be harmful to aquarium inhabitants, which is why SaltyShrimp products are designed to avoid them. Impurities are substances that may be present in water but do not have any beneficial biological function. They can lead to imbalances in the environment and potentially harm aquatic animals.
Examples of harmful impurities include cadmium and arsenic. These elements have no beneficial biological function and can be toxic in high quantities. SaltyShrimp’s mineral salts are designed to exclude these impurities, promoting a healthy environment for aquarium inhabitants.
By understanding the essential trace elements and harmful impurities, aquarium owners can make informed decisions about the products they use in their tanks. SaltyShrimp’s careful consideration of these factors is a testament to their commitment to providing high-quality products for the aquarium hobby.
Chlorides, Sulfates, and Vitamins
While re-mineralization is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy environment in aquariums, certain elements can have negative effects. Chlorides and sulfates are two elements that can cause problems, especially for sensitive shrimp species.
DIY re-mineralizing salts may contain chlorides and sulfates, which can dissolve readily in water. While this may be good for the user, it can potentially harm sensitive aquatic animals. Some shrimp species, such as those originating from Lake Towuti in Sulawesi, have low tolerance for these elements.
SaltyShrimp’s Sulawesi Mineral 8.5 is formulated to avoid sulfates and chlorides, making it a better option for tanks with sensitive shrimp species.
While vitamins are essential for the health of aquarium animals, they cannot be absorbed from the water. Rather, they are exclusively absorbed from the animals’ food. The addition of vitamins to re-mineralizing salts may be unnecessary, as most typical foodstuffs for aquarium animals already contain the necessary vitamins.
Understanding the potential problems with chlorides, sulfates, and the unnecessary addition of vitamins can help aquarium owners make informed decisions about the products they use in their tanks. SaltyShrimp’s careful consideration of these factors is a testament to their commitment to providing high-quality products for the aquarium hobby.
Bee-Shrimp Mineral GH+
The Bee-Shrimp Mineral GH+ is a specialized mineral product designed for keeping and breeding bee shrimp, and tiger shrimp in an aquarium. It is used to mineralize RO water, rainwater, and fully desalinated water, raising the total hardness (°dH) without affecting the carbonate hardness (KH).
This is especially important for shrimp species that originate from soft water habitats, where the ratio of KH/°dH is 0.06/1.0.
Bee-Shrimp Mineral GH+ contains all the essential minerals and trace elements required for the well-being of shrimp, including intensive coloration, successful breeding, and healthy growth. It also promotes plant growth and microbial regeneration of biological filter substrates, reducing the risk of harmful bacteria.
One of the benefits of Bee-Shrimp Mineral GH+ is that it does not directly affect pH levels, making it easy to maintain a pH of under 7, which is ideal for keeping and breeding bee shrimp. However, if the pH remains high, the low carbonate hardness (KH) makes it easy to influence the pH using black alder cones, peat, or pH-reducing additives containing fulvic acids.
To use Bee-Shrimp Mineral GH+, mix it with water outside of the aquarium, ensuring any undissolved particles are added to the tank. The product is quickly dissolved and ready for use. The recommended dosage is an even full measuring spoon (about 3g) for every 20 liters of water to achieve a total hardness of approximately 6°dH and/or a conductance of about 200 +/- 50 µS (Microsiemens).
Learn more about conductance here
Bee-Shrimp Mineral GH+ is available in different packaging sizes, ranging from 110g, sufficient for approximately 730 liters of aquarium water, to 3000g, sufficient for approximately 20,000 liters of aquarium water. It is an essential product for shrimp enthusiasts looking to provide the best possible environment for their aquatic pets.
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Salty Shrimp Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+
Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ is a specially formulated mineral salt designed to prepare neutral aquarium water for keeping and breeding shrimp. It re-mineralizes water, such as RO water, rainwater, or fully desalinated water, by raising the total hardness (°dGH) and carbonate hardness (KH) at a ratio of 1.0/0.5. This mineral salt is especially recommended for shrimp species that thrive in habitats with a neutral pH.
Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ provides all the essential minerals and trace elements that shrimp need for their overall health, intense coloration, successful breeding, and healthy growth. It also promotes plant growth and aids in the regeneration of biological filter substrates.
To use Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+, mix the mineral salt with water outside the aquarium. It dissolves quickly, and the water can be used right away. Make sure that any undissolved particles are added to the tank as well, and store the container in a dry place after every use.
The recommended dosage for Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ is to use one full measuring spoon (approximately 2 g) to 10 liters of water, to reach a total hardness of around 6°dGH and/or a conductance of about 300 +/- 50 µS.
This mineral salt comes in different packaging sizes, including 100 g (sufficient for approximately 500 liters of aquarium water), 200 g (sufficient for approximately 1000 liters of aquarium water), 750 g (sufficient for approximately 3750 liters of aquarium water), and 2550 g (sufficient for approximately 12750 liters of aquarium water), all with a screw socket.
In conclusion, Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ is an essential mineral salt for aquarium enthusiasts who want to keep and breed shrimp successfully. By providing all the necessary minerals and trace elements, it creates a healthy and balanced environment for shrimp to thrive in.
Sulawesi Mineral 7.5
Sulawesi Mineral 7.5 is a highly soluble variant of Sulawesi Mineral range, which buffers the pH at approximately 7.5. It is primarily used for re-mineralizing RO water, rainwater, fully desalinated water, and other similar sources.
This mineral salt contains all the necessary trace elements and minerals required for maintaining the well-being and vivid coloration of various popular shrimp species, including Cardinal shrimp (Caridia dennerli). It also promotes the microbial regeneration of biological filter substrates. The Sulawesi Mineral 7.5 raises the carbonate and total hardness at a ratio of KH/°dH = 0.42/1.0.
Note that breeding the shrimp species, such as freshwater harlequin shrimp (Caridina woltereckae) or red-banded shrimp (Caridina striata), that originate from Lake Towuti on Sulawesi can be challenging.
Therefore, the mineral salt, Sulawesi Mineral 8.5, was developed after analyzing the water chemistry of Malili Lakes on Sulawesi. The Sulawesi Mineral 8.5 is almost identical to the water chemistry of Lake Towuti and is expected to help achieve successful breeding outcomes for the more susceptible shrimp species.
To use Sulawesi Mineral 7.5, add it to water outside of the aquarium. It dissolves almost instantly, and the water is ready to use immediately. We recommend adjusting the temperature of the new water to that in your tank. Any undissolved particles should also be added to the tank. Close the container tightly after every use.
For re-mineralizing RO water, rainwater, fully desalinated water, etc., use Sulawesi Mineral 7.5 until the desired hardness of approximately 6 °dH and/or a conductance of around 270 +/- 40 µS (Mikrosiemens) is achieved. Approximately 3.5 g of the mineral salt should be used for 15 liters of water.
Sulawesi Mineral 7.5 is available in tubs of 110 g (sufficient for approx. 470 l of aquarium water), 250 g (sufficient for approx. 1070 l of aquarium water), 900 g (sufficient for approx. 3850 l of aquarium water), and 3000 g (sufficient for approx. 12840 l of aquarium water).
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Salty Shrimp Softwater Mineral GH+ for Aquarium Fish
Softwater Mineral GH+ is a specially developed mineral salt for aquarists who need to create soft water for fish. It can be used to mineralize RO water, rainwater, fully desalinated water, and other types of water.
This product raises the total hardness (°dH) without significantly affecting the carbonate hardness (KH), which is particularly important for fish that come from softwater environments. The recommended KH/°dH ratio is 0.06/1.0.
Softwater Mineral GH+ contains all the essential minerals and trace elements that fish need for their wellbeing, including vibrant coloration, successful breeding, and healthy growth. Additionally, it promotes the growth of plants and the regeneration of biological filter substrates.
To use Softwater Mineral GH+, mix it with water outside of the aquarium. It dissolves almost completely within seconds, and the water can be used immediately. Be sure to add any undissolved particles to your tank as well, and close the container tightly after use.
The recommended dosage of Softwater Mineral GH+ is one evenly full measuring spoon (approximately 3 g) to 20 liters of water. This is enough to re-mineralize RO water, rainwater, fully desalinated water, etc. to reach a total hardness of about 6 °dH and/or a conductance of about 200 +/- 50 µS (Microsiemens). A measuring spoon is included in the package.
Softwater Mineral GH+ is available in different sizes, depending on your needs: 110 g (sufficient for approximately 730 L of aquarium water), 230 g (sufficient for approximately 1530 L of aquarium water), 850 g (sufficient for approximately 5660 L of aquarium water), and 3000 g (sufficient for approximately 20000 L of aquarium water).
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Aquarium Mineral GH/KH+
Aquarium Mineral GH/KH+ is a specially formulated mineral salt designed to create neutral aquarium water that is safe for both fish and shrimp. It can be used to re-mineralize RO water, rainwater, fully desalinated water, and other types of water. This mineral salt raises both the total hardness (°dGH) and the carbonate hardness (KH) at a ratio of 1.0/0.5, which is ideal for fish species that come from habitats with a neutral pH.
Aquarium Mineral GH/KH+ provides all the essential minerals and trace elements that fish need for their well-being, growth, and coloration. It also promotes plant growth and the microbial regeneration of biological filter substrates.
Instructions:
Mix the mineral salt with water outside of the aquarium. Aquarium Mineral GH/KH+ dissolves almost completely within seconds, so the water is ready to use right away. Make sure that any undissolved particles are added to your tank. After use, close the container tightly as the mineral salt absorbs moisture.
Dosage:
Use Aquarium Mineral GH/KH+ to re-mineralize RO water, rainwater, fully desalinated water, and other types of water to achieve a total hardness of around 6 °dGH and/or a conductance of about 300 +/- 50 µS (Microsiemens). For every 10 liters of water, use an evenly full measuring spoon (about 2 g).
Available Packaging Sizes (screw socket):
- 85 g (enough for approximately 425 liters of aquarium water)
- 200 g (enough for approximately 1000 liters of aquarium water)
- 850 g (enough for approximately 4250 liters of aquarium water)
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Black Water Powder – SE/Fulvin+
The Black Water Powder, which is composed of essential trace elements, humic and fulvic acids, provides numerous benefits to your aquarium and its inhabitants. It promotes the growth and reproduction of bee shrimp, strengthens the immune system of fish, and reduces algae proliferation.
It also protects your tank from a dangerous pH drop, binds to ammonium and heavy metals, and maintains the reduced form of micronutrients and iron.
In addition to its antibacterial and fungicidal properties, Black Water Powder has a positive effect on necroses of fin edges and gills. It reduces external hormonal influences and stress, and has a positive supporting effect on the treatment of inflammatory gill conditions. Furthermore, it acts as an alternative to carbonate buffers and is irreplaceable in soft water where carbonate hardness is unwelcome.
The positive effects of humic acids, such as polyphenols, quinones, and stable radicals, are manifold. They further immunity and multiple stress resistance.
Blackwater fish cannot survive in acidic waters poor in minerals without humic acids. The influence of humic acids has also been proven to increase the lifespan of turquoise killifish, activate white blood cells and strengthen the immune system, and provide multiple immunity to stress in swordtails.
To use Black Water Powder, sprinkle the desired amount of the powder on the water surface, and it will dissolve easily in any pH. Please note that the water will assume a brownish color temporarily, but it will turn crystal-clear after a while. If the brownish color remains for several days, please check your filter or reduce the dosage.
The recommended dosage is approximately 1g to 50 liters of water per week, depending on the tank’s stocking density. A measuring spoon is enclosed, and the available packaging sizes are 65g (sufficient for approximately 3250 liters of aquarium water) and 130g (sufficient for approximately 6500 liters of aquarium water).
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Conclusion and summary
If you have managed to reach the end of this topic I would like to touch on a few things before you go that may help you if you cant find these products in store.
I think Bee shrimp Mineral and Softwater Mineral GH+ are the same thing.
I think Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ and Aquarium Mineral GH/KH+ are the same thing.
When I tested the above I get the same conductivity for the top two and the bottom two for the same amounts in RO water, I hope this post has helped in some way, thanks for reading.
FAQ
Q: What is Salty shrimp? A: Salty shrimp is a line of specialized shrimp mineral supplements designed to replicate the natural mineral content found in the natural habitats of shrimp species.
Q: Why do I need to use Salty shrimp? A: Shrimp require a specific balance of minerals and trace elements in their environment to thrive and reproduce. Salty shrimp products provide the necessary minerals to promote healthy growth, molting, and breeding.
Q: What types of Salty shrimp products are available? A: Salty shrimp offers a range of products specifically designed for various shrimp species and their specific needs. These include Salty shrimp GH/KH+ and GH+ for Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp, Salty shrimp Sulawesi Mineral 7.5 and Mineral 8.5 for Sulawesi shrimp, and Salty shrimp Bee Shrimp Mineral for Bee shrimp.
Q: How do I use Salty shrimp products? A: Salty shrimp products are designed to be added to the water in your shrimp tank. The specific instructions for dosage and usage will vary depending on the product and the size of your aquarium, so be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.
Q: Is Salty shrimp safe for my shrimp? A: Yes, Salty shrimp products are specifically formulated to provide the necessary minerals and trace elements that shrimp require to thrive. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and not to overuse the products.
Q: Can Salty shrimp be used with other water conditioners or treatments? A: It is generally safe to use Salty shrimp products alongside other water conditioners and treatments, but it is important to read the instructions carefully and ensure that the products you are using are compatible.
Q: Where can I buy Salty shrimp products? A: Salty shrimp products are widely available at most aquarium supply stores, both online and offline. You can also purchase them directly from the Salty shrimp website or other online retailers.
Q: How long does a container of Salty shrimp last? A: The amount of time a container of Salty shrimp lasts will vary depending on the size of your aquarium and the dosage recommended for your specific product. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and monitor the mineral levels in your water regularly to determine when to replace the product.