ATI® Reef Essentials | The Definitive Professional Dosing Guide

The ATI® Reef Essentials system represents the culmination of years of laboratory research. By utilizing Mass Spectrometry data, ATI® has refined a formula that mimics the complex chemical environment of a natural reef, providing even subtle trace elements in the microgram range.

Precision for Demanding Reefs

ATI® Reef Essentials is engineered for the high metabolic demands of SPS-dominated (Small Polyp Stony) and high-density mixed reef tanks. It provides a complete supply of all major and minor elements in a ready-to-use liquid format.

  • Full Major Element Supply: Provides Boron, Bromine, Calcium, Fluorine, Potassium, Carbonate Hardness (KH), Magnesium, Sulfur, and Strontium.

  • Balanced Trace Elements: Includes a safe baseline of Cobalt, Iron, Iodine, Lithium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Rubidium, Selenium, Vanadium, and Zinc.

  • pH Stabilization: Features a purely inorganic KH component that stabilizes the pH value at a higher, more consistent level—critical for the health of sensitive stony corals.

  • Equal Dosing: The concentrations are perfectly balanced so that equal amounts of both solutions are added to your system, simplifying pump calibration and management.

Custom Supplementation: Daily Traces

While the base system provides a safe baseline, high-demand systems (heavy coral stocking or aggressive filtration) often require additional support. Daily Traces allow you to customize levels based on your tank's specific consumption.

Supplement Target Elements Function
Daily Traces #A Cr, Co, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn Essential metals for enzymatic functions and growth.
Daily Traces #B F, I, Se Critical for metabolic processes and vivid coloration.

Pro Tip: If you use phosphate adsorbers, zeolite, or activated carbon, your trace element depletion will be higher. Adding Daily Traces ensures these levels remain optimal between ICP tests.

Technical Comparison: ATI® Reef Essentials vs. Classic Balling

Feature ATI® Reef Essentials Classic Balling
Concentration 3.6x Higher Standard Density
Ion Shift Actively Prevented High Risk Over Time
pH Support High (Inorganic KH) Low to Moderate
Preparation Ready-to-Use Liquid Often Requires Mixing Powders
Trace Elements 18+ Lab-Optimized Traces Usually Requires Extra Dosing

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my starting dose?

Begin by determining your daily Alkalinity (KH) consumption. For most tanks, a starting dose of 5ml per 100L (25 gal) is recommended. Monitor your KH and adjust the dose of both parts equally until levels stabilize.

Is ATI® Reef Essentials only for SPS tanks?

No. While it is refined for the needs of sensitive SPS, it is highly effective for mixed reefs and LPS-dominated systems. It provides the same ionic stability and trace element benefits regardless of your coral type.

Can I dilute the solutions?

Yes. If you have a very small nano tank where 1ml is too much to dose accurately, you can dilute the solutions with RO/DI water. If you dilute them 1:1, you simply double your dosing volume on the pump.

Do I still need to do water changes?

While ATI® Reef Essentials maintains the "seawater matrix" and prevents ion shift, regular/small water changes are still recommended to export organic waste and replenish elements not covered by standard dosing.