NaCl free salt is one of the most important components of the Balling method. It plays a significant role when Calcium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate supplementation are in place.

 

It is a common misconception among reefers that administering NaCl free salt is primarily supposed to replenish trace elements. The main task of Sodium Chloride free salt is to maintain ionic balance of aquarium water. This practice is based on an essential discovery made by Prof. William Dittmar, a chemical analyst. The creator of the “rule of constant proportions”. He analysed water samples from oceans and seas around the globe. He documented that the composition of natural seawater remains constant, even though the salinity varies.

Many marine organisms (e.g. hard corals) require Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) to grow their calcareous structures. This crucial substance is insoluble in natural seawater. One way to work around this problem is the administration of Ca++ and HCO3 in the form of water-soluble Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) and Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3).

A lot of people assume that additional presence of Sodium Chloride is harmless, as long as salinity is maintained at the desired level. Salinity, however, is not just a measure of table salt in H2O. Magnesium sulfate, Calcium sulfate, Potassium sulfate, Magnesium chloride, Calcium chloride and Potassium chloride are actually salts too. When Sodium and Chloride levels rise, the natural balance of major elements is shifted. Incidentally, the salinity might remain stable, but only due to excessive presence of Sodium Chloride. In a closed aquarium ecosystem, the impact of NaCl build-up might be significant.

 

Many aquarists mistakenly assume that this issue can be easily corrected by regular water changes. Keep in mind, however, that the only way to revert to the original water parameters would be with a 100% water change. Hardly anyone is replacing more than 10% weekly.

 

The use of NaCl free salt is not so common anymore. The application of the Balling method is often limited to 2 or sometimes 3 of its main components. This approach will probably not cause any problems for several weeks or even months. Meanwhile, the chemical reactions that take place in the marine aquarium will lead to a deficit of trace elements.

 

Balling “two parts” or “light” is gaining in popularity. The truth is that the old, but revolutionary, original method is much more effective when it comes to maintaining stable water parameters. Regular use of NaCl free salt is highly recommended to help address ionic imbalance issues eventually.