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Aquarium run on Aquaforest products, which rely on the Balling method.

Balling Method in marine aquarium

Reef aquariums delight both experienced aquarists and people completely unfamiliar with aquariums. Although freshwater aquariums are much more popular, marine aquariums are steadily gaining more and more fans. This is not surprising. A slice of fabulously colorful reef at home is undoubtedly a very attractive sight. Although for many, keeping a marine aquarium seems very complicated, so with proper preparation it becomes simple and does not cause major problems. However, you should remember that the key to success is not only to obtain the right parameters, but, above all, to maintain them. This is where the Balling Method comes to the rescue.

What will allow us to maintain the right water parameters is a smoothly operating equipment operating the tank, regular servicing and water changes, as well as specialized products. This is where Aquaforest’s products created for aquarium maintenance using the Balling Method come to the rescue. 

What is the Balling Method?

The Balling method is a popular way to maintain stable water parameters in a reef aquarium. It was developed in the 1990s by Hans-Werner Balling. It is based on running the aquarium in such a way that parameters such as carbonate hardness (KH), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and trace element levels are constantly maintained at the same level. This is done through micro-dosing of special solutions that continuously replenish the consumed macronutrients. 

Aquaforest products for using the Balling method

In Aquaforest’s wide range of aquaristics products, we can choose between several sets of preparations created to meet the needs of every aquarium and aquarist. 

Components 1+2+3 is a classic set of preparations for the Ballinga method contained in three liquids. The distinguishing feature of the product compared to others is the inclusion of additional micronutrients necessary for the proper operation of the aquarium. Regularly dosed in equal amounts ensure that the aquarium maintains optimal and stable water parameters. The product will be perfect especially about medium planted aquariums, where consumption is not very high. 

Aquaforest product, Component 1+2+3+. Developed based on the Balling Method
Aquaforest product, Component Pro. Developed based on the Balling Method

Experts with years of experience developed the Components Pro formula as an advanced supplementation system for reef aquariums. This comprehensive set of products provides optimal living conditions for corals and other marine organisms, simulating a natural reef environment. Regularly dosed in equal amounts, it constantly replenishes consumed calcium and magnesium and regulates KH levels. In addition, enriched with micronutrients, it allows to create optimal conditions for fish and corals in the aquarium. The exceptional concentration of the product makes it ideal for large reef aquariums and aquariums with high consumption of macro and micronutrients. 

The last way to run an aquarium using the Balling method with the help of Aquaforest products is to prepare Components 1+2+3 on your own. This method is especially recommended for those who like to turn into a home lab technician and prepare the macro and micronutrient supplementation fluids in the aquarium on their own. In addition, this method is much cheaper than ready-made preparations of Component 1+2+3, but it is not inferior to them in any way. 

  • KH Buffer – preparation designed to maintain a constant level of carbonate hardness in reef aquariums. Adequate carbonate ion content is crucial for the construction of skeletons and the healthy development of corals. 
  • Calcium – it is an agent for maintaining a constant level of calcium in marine aquariums, an element crucial for the proper development of corals and calcareous algae. The recommended level of calcium in reef aquariums is 380-460 mg/l (ppm).
  • Magnesium – product designed to maintain a constant level of magnesium in the aquarium. This element affects the availability of calcium and strontium in the process of building the skeleton of long-polyp corals LPS and short-polyp corals SPS.
  • Reef Mineral Salt – is a salt without salt. It is crucial in maintaining proper ionic balance in marine aquariums. It prevents dangerous mineral deficiencies and is one of the most important elements when using the Balling method. 
  • Components Strong – is a set of concentrated micronutrients that supplements the Ballinga method with trace element supplementation as well. 
  • Strong A – concentrated strontium and barium, which support the skeletal structure of hard corals and facilitate their absorption of calcium. 
  • Strong B – heavy metals necessary for the proper biological processes of aquarium inhabitants.
  • Strong C – iodine and fluoride, which affect calcification and increase the intensity of coral coloration
  • Strong K – provides potassium, essential in the metabolic processes of corals, to the aquarium. 
Aquaforest product, Components Strong.

How to prepare Component 1+2+3

Prepare Component 1+ by mixing: 

50 g Aquaforest Calcium, 5 ml Strong A and 5 ml Strong B in 1000 ml of RODI water

Prepare Component 2+ by mixing: 

80 g Aquaforest KH Buffer, 5 ml Strong C in 1000 ml of RODI water

Prepare Component 3+ by mixing: 

10 g Aquaforest Magnesium, 25 g Reef Mineral Salt and 5 ml Strong K in 1000 ml of RODI water. 

Carefully mixed until fully dissolved, the preparations are already ready to feed, any, even the most demanding aquarium. 

Component 3 in 1

Component 3 in 1 offers an innovative solution for marine aquariums. It providing a complete set of macro- and microelements essential for the proper development of corals. Unlike the traditional Balling method, which requires the use of three separate products, Component 3 in 1 offers an alternative solution — all the necessary macro- and microelements in a single container. This approach saves significant space in the aquarium cabinet and makes dosing much easier.

It is especially beneficial for beginner aquarists, to whom this product is primarily dedicated. However, it does not mean that it cannot be effectively used by experienced aquarists. The product delivers an optimal dose of concentrated calcium, magnesium, and KH, perfectly tailored to the needs of marine organisms. Additionally, thanks to the inclusion of organic calcium salts, Component 3 in 1 serves as a source of carbon, simultaneously supporting the biological stability of the aquarium.

Aquaforest product, Component 3 in 1

How do you determine the dose? 

Determining the dose of Balling in a marine aquarium is a process that requires observation and customization for your aquarium. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on many factors, such as the size of the aquarium, the number and type of corals, their growth rate, and water parameters.

Why is it important to test water parameters?

The only way to determine the right dosages is to observe the aquarium and perform regular tests. To begin with, we need to determine how much consumption occurs in our tank. To do this, without prior supplementation of KH, calcium and magnesium levels you should testing for several consecutive days. Then, once you know how much of each element is consumed per day, we proceed to determine the dose of the chosen product. It is very important that the doses of each of the three supplementation fluids be equal.

The best way to supplement deficiencies is to divide the daily dose into as many small portions as possible throughout the day. To do this, it is best to use a precision dosing pump. This will avoid parameter spikes and the resulting stress among aquarium inhabitants. Here, however, the water testing does not end. Over the next few days, it is worth verifying the dosage amount with water tests. Based on these, you should make any adjustments. It is best to start with small doses and gradually increase them, observing the reaction of corals and water parameters. It is worth noting that the Balling method is a process that requires patience and observation.

Aquarium run on Aquaforest products, which rely on the Balling method.

Sum up

Aquaforest offers a wide range of Balling method dosing products that are ideal for different types of reef aquariums. Components 123+ provides a comprehensive set for aquariums moderately stocked with LPS and SPS corals. Components Pro caters to aquariums with high numbers of SPS corals. Component 3in1 offers a convenient solution for beginner aquarists. Always adjust the dosage to meet the specific needs of the aquarium, considering its size, stocking rate, and coral growth rate. Regular monitoring of water parameters is crucial to ensure optimal conditions for your charges. 

Using the right Aquaforest products and dosing correctly will ensure stable water parameters, promoting healthy coral growth and development.

Also check out the video made by Bulk Reef Supply -Saltwater Aquariums channel about our Components!