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Water values are too high?
This is how easy it is to lower values that are too high

The ideal phosphate value is:
• Saltwater = 0.03 - 0.1 mg/l
• Freshwater = 0.1 - 1 mg/l

In order to lower the phosphate value (PO4 value) in any saltwater or freshwater aquarium, there is the option of using MICROBE-LIFT Phos-Out 4 iron hydroxide granules or Phos-Out 4 liquid on a polymer basis. With Phos-Out 4 Granulate you have a constant phosphate absorption over a longer period of time and with Phos-Out 4 liquid a fast, immediate reduction. Depending on the desired effect, you can choose between the two products.

The ideal nitrate value is:
• Saltwater = 3 - 10 mg/l
• Freshwater = 5 - 25 mg/l

In the case of very high nitrate levels (NO3) in saltwater or freshwater aquariums, we recommend using MICROBE-LIFT Special Blend (contains, among other things, denitrifying bacteria for converting nitrate into nitrogen) and NO3PO4 Control carbon sources. Since even very effective bacteria such as those contained in MICROBE-LIFT Special Blend reach their maximum performance at very high nitrate values, they must be pushed for a certain time using NO3PO4 Control. This stimulates you to multiply and become even more efficient. This makes it possible to break down even very high nitrate levels in a very short time. Always make sure that bacteria need phosphate as an energy source and therefore ensure that there is an adequate supply of phosphate in the aquarium.

The ideal pH value is:
• Saltwater = 8 – 8,5
• Freshwater = 6 – 8,5

If you want to lower the pH in your freshwater aquarium, we recommend using pH Decrease. Add 5 ml to 100 liters of water to lower the pH by 0.2.

The ideal KH value is:
• Saltwater = 7 - 10 mg/l
• Freshwater = 6 - 12 mg/l

In the case of very high KH values ​​in the freshwater aquarium, we recommend changing the water with osmosis water until the KH value is in the optimal range.

The ammonium (NH4) / ammonia (NH3) value should be zero in saltwater and freshwater aquariums. Ammonium (NH4) becomes toxic ammonia (NH3) at pH values above 7.

If the level of ammonium (NH4) / ammonia (NH3) in the saltwater aquarium or freshwater aquarium increases, we recommend the use of MICROBE-LIFT Special Blend, in combination with Nite-Out II. In case of very high NH4 / NH3 values, you can additionally use XTreme to quickly get into a range that is less problematic for the aquarium inhabitants.

Nitrite is a toxic substance that is produced by the biological breakdown of ammonia in the aquarium. The nitrite level in the aquarium should always be zero, as nitrite is toxic to fish and other inhabitants of the aquarium. 

To lower the nitrite level in the aquarium, there are several steps you can take:

  1. Water changes: Regular water changes can help to lower the nitrite level in the aquarium. MICROBE-LIFT XTreme makes tap water suitable for fish and prevents a dangerous increase in ammonium/ammonia and nitrite, removes chlorine/chloramines as well as heavy metals.
  2. Filter maintenance: Clean the filter only when the flow decreases significantly. Cleaning the filter too often or too hard will harm the biology in the aquarium. Use our MICROBE-LIFT Gel Filter after each filter cleaning for immediate biological activity of the filter.
  3. Bacterial cultures: Bacterial cultures can help speed up the biological breakdown of ammonia and nitrite in the aquarium. Our MICROBE-LIFT Nite-Out II helps against dangerous increases in ammonium/ammonia and nitrite.
  4. Feeding: Make sure you do not overfeed the fish in the aquarium as this can lead to increased ammonia levels. Feed the fish only as much as they can eat in a few minutes.
  5. Test regularly: Monitor the nitrite level in the aquarium. This way you can react quickly if the nitrite level rises again.

The silicate level in the aquarium should be close to zero. To quickly, safely, and permanently lower a silicate level that is too high, we recommend using Sili-Out 2. Sili-Out 2 is a 99+% pure, aluminum-based product that allows targeted reduction of the above-mentioned pollutants in a form that is harmless to your animals, without affecting the pH value.

In general, copper should not be present in aquarium water, as most fish and plants are very sensitive to copper and can suffer serious damage at elevated levels.

  1. Remove all sources of copper, such as decorations, from the aquarium.
  2. If you have copper pipes in your house, which means that copper is already present in the tap water, we recommend the use of osmosis water. Our ARKA myAQUA® 1900 quickly and effectively filters up to 99% of salts, bacteria and pollutants, such as nitrate, phosphate and heavy metals, from tap water, making it safe for use in any marine or freshwater aquarium. Please remember that osmosis water must be reprocessed with a remineralization salt suitable for aquaristics!
  3. Do a large water change of at least 50-75% of the aquarium water to reduce the copper content in the water. 
  4. To quickly and safely reduce excessive copper levels, we recommend the use of Carbopure or Phos-Out 4 granules. Phos-Out 4 is a product developed on the basis of iron hydroxide and removes phosphate, silicate, heavy metals (e.g. copper) and yellow substances from the water quickly, safely and permanently and improves the water quality sustainably.

The CO2 level in the aquarium depends on various factors such as water hardness, plant mass, lighting and number of fish. In general, the CO2 level in the aquarium should be between 20-30 parts per million (ppm) to promote plant growth and health. Too low a CO2 level can impair plant growth, thereby promoting algae growth, while too high a CO2 level can be toxic to fish and other aquarium inhabitants.

If the CO2 level in the aquarium is too high, the following steps can help:

  1. If you are using a CO2 system, reduce or temporarily turn off the CO2 supply to lower the CO2 level in the aquarium.
  2. A quick and easy way to lower the CO2 level in the aquarium is to aerate the water. You can use an air pump to pump air into the water or adjust the filter to mix the water well with air.
  3. Check the pH value of the aquarium. A high CO2 content in the aquarium can lead to a lower pH value. If the pH is too low, you should raise it with the help of our MICROBE-LIFT pH Increase. Also make sure that the carbonate hardness is sufficient, as this stabilizes the pH.
  4. Monitor the CO2 content in the aquarium with our mySCAPE-CO2 Checker.

Water values are too low?
This is how easy it is to increase values that are too low

The optimal iodine content in saltwater aquariums is 0.05 - 0.08 mg/L.

Iodide & Bromide is a specially developed iodide and bromide supplement with pH stabiliser for all saltwater aquariums. It prevents iodine deficiency, improves polyp development and the natural colours of corals, and it improves the vitality of all aquarium residents. Add 1 ml to 100 liters of water to increase the iodine content by 0.01 mg/L.

The optimum strontium level in saltwater aquariums is 8 - 10 mg/L.

Strontium is is a specially developed strontium supplement with pH stabiliser for all saltwater aquariums. It prevents strontium deficiency, improves the healthy growth of the calcareous skeleton of corals and sustainably strengthens their tissue. Add 5 ml to 100 liters of water to increase the strontium content by 1.0 mg/L.

The ideal pH value is:
• Saltwater = 8 – 8,5
• Freshwater = 6 – 8,5

pH Increase Saltwater is a specially developed product to specifically increase the pH value for all seawater aquariums. pH Increase raises pH to your desired levels quickly and safely. Add 5 ml to 100 liters of water to increase the pH by 0.2.

pH Increase Freshwater is a specially developed product for the targeted increase of the pH value for all fresh water aquariums. pH Increase raises pH to your desired levels quickly and safely. Add 5 ml to 100 liters of water to increase the pH by 0.2.

The optimum calcium content in a seawater aquarium is 380-450 mg/L

Calcium is a specially developed calcium supplement with a pH stabilizer for all saltwater aquariums. Calcium prevents calcium deficiency, improves absorption thanks to the vitamin D3 it contains and optimizes the healthy growth of corals and invertebrates. Add 1 ml per 100 liters of water to increase the calcium content by 1.0 mg/l.

The optimal magnesium content in saltwater aquariums is 1280-1380 mg/L

Magnesium is a specially developed magnesium additive with a pH stabilizer for all saltwater aquariums. Magnesium prevents magnesium deficiency, optimizes the healthy growth of corals and supports rapid growth of red calcareous algae. Add 1 ml to 100 liters of water to increase the magnesium content by 1.0 mg/L.

The optimal iron content in freshwater aquariums is 0.1-0.2 mg/L

Plants Fe is a specially developed iron fertilizer for all types of aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Plants Fe supports lush plant growth and sustainably prevents an iron deficiency in your aquatic plants. Add 5 ml to 100 liters of water to increase the iron content by approximately 0.1 mg/L.

The ideal nitrate value is:
• Saltwater = 3 - 10 mg/l
• Freshwater = 5 - 25 mg/l

Basic N is a stable and specially adjusted nitrate mixture for a targeted increase in the NO3 value in any saltwater aquarium. Basic N effectively prevents nitrate limitation, which is dangerous for corals, and sustainably increases their growth and health. Dose 1 ml per 100 liters of water to increase the NO3 level by 1 mg/L.

Plants N is a specially developed nitrate fertilizer for all types of aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Plants N supports lush plant growth and sustainably prevents a nitrate deficiency in your aquatic plants. Add 1 ml to 100 liters of water added to increase nitrate levels by approximately 1 mg/L.

The ideal phosphate value is:
• Saltwater = 0,03-0,1 mg/l
• Freshwater = 0,1–1 mg/l

Note that bacteria absolutely need a certain amount of phosphate as an energy source in order to carry out important biological processes (such as denitrification NO3 nitrate -> N2 nitrogen) in the aquarium. Since NO3PO4 Control increases the growth and performance of the bacteria in the aquarium, the phosphate requirement naturally also increases. Therefore, measure the phosphate level regularly (at least once a day).

Basic P is a stable and specially tailored phosphate mixture for a targeted increase in the PO4 value in any saltwater aquarium. Basic P effectively prevents a phosphate limitation that is dangerous for corals and sustainably increases their growth and health. Dose 10ml per 100L of water to increase PO4 by 0.1mg/L.

Plants P is a specially developed phosphate fertilizer for all types of aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Plants P supports magnificent plant growth and sustainably prevents a phosphate deficiency in your aquatic plants. Add 10 ml to 100 liters of water added to increase the phosphate content by approximately 0.1 mg/L.

The ideal potassium level is:
• Saltwater = 380 – 420 mg/l
• Freshwater = 5-10 mg/l

Basic K is a stable and specially tailored potassium mixture for a targeted increase in the potassium value in any saltwater aquarium. Basic K supports the optimal growth of your corals and prevents a potassium deficiency. Dose 1 ml per 100 l of water, to increase the potassium level by 1 mg/l.

Plants K is a specially developed potassium fertilizer for all types of aquatic plants in freshwater aquariums. Plants K supports lush plant growth and sustainably prevents a potassium deficiency in your aquatic plants. Add 1 ml to 100 liters of water to increase the potassium content by approximately 1 mg/L.

The ideal KH value is:
• Saltwater = 7 - 10 mg/l
• Freshwater = 6 - 12 mg/l

KH-Booster is a specially developed product for the targeted increase in carbonate hardness in every freshwater aquarium. It sustainably supports the nitrification with a special mixture of different elements to increase the carbonate hardness quickly and safely. Use KH-Booster in combination with our pH care products to set your desired water values.

Basic 3 Carbonate is a specially developed additive to increase the carbonate hardness in any saltwater aquarium. It sustainably supports nitrification and healthy coral growth through a special mixture of different elements to increase carbonate hardness quickly and safely.