The ATI Essentials family: a simple solution to a real headache
The ATI Essentials range was designed as a complete supplementation system, adaptable to different tank types (mixed reef or SPS-dominated) and experience levels, from beginner to demanding enthusiast. The foundation is Essentials Mixed Reef and Essentials SPS , two highly concentrated liquid solutions designed to support the growth , metabolism , and coloration of corals in saltwater aquariums. For further refinement, the range allows for finer adjustments with Essential Daily Traces A & B , Essential Nitro , and Essential Phospho , enabling precise calibration to meet the specific needs of each tank. The entire system is based on experience gained from tens of thousands of ICP analyses, with formulations continuously optimized over the years.
A supplement designed for mixed reef aquariums
ATI Essentials Mixed Reef was developed specifically for mixed reef tanks, where soft corals, LPS, some SPS, and a sometimes substantial fish population coexist. Its formula aims for one thing: to stabilize water parameters and help the tank remain consistent day after day, without any hassle. The idea is simple: to support the reef's natural consumption of nutrients (KH, calcium, magnesium, etc.) while maintaining water close to an "ocean-like" balance, thus preventing imbalances and unexpected problems.
Two complementary solutions for a perfect balance
The set consists of two 10-liter containers designed to work together. The #1 KH Complex supports alkalinity and pH stability, with a formula particularly suited to mixed tanks. The #2 Calcium Complex maintains calcium and several key elements essential for coral skeleton development. Best of all, the concentrations are designed so that identical volumes of both solutions can be used , greatly simplifying the routine.
#1 KH Complex – Contents & Highlights - Highly concentrated : 142,500 °dKH per 10L container (14,250 °dKH/L)
- Combination of alkalinity sources for stability suitable for mixed tanks
- Major contributions: fluorine and sulfur
- Trace elements included: iron , iodine , selenium
- A beneficial effect in Mixed Reef environments: a tendency to reduce nitrates and phosphates.
| #2 Calcium Complex – content & strengths - Very concentrated : 1,000,000 mg of calcium per 10L container (100,000 mg/L)
- Key nutrients: boron , bromine , potassium , magnesium , strontium
- Trace elements included: cobalt, iron, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, rubidium, vanadium, zinc
- Designed to maintain a balanced water composition and limit ionic drift
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Dosage guidelines: simple, logical, and above all adjustable
The principle is clear: the two solutions are dosed in equal (or very close) quantities . As a guideline, the dosage is often around 3 to 7 ml per 100 L per day , per solution. The correct adjustment is then made by monitoring the tank's actual consumption: if the KH or calcium level drops, increase the dosage slightly; if it rises, reduce it. Regular measurements (tests or ICP analysis) allow for precise dosing, truly adapted to the reef's rhythm.
Daily consumption of KH in °dKH | Daily dosage Essentials Mixed Reef #1 KH Complex |
0.1 | 0.7 ml / 100 L |
0.5 | 3.5 ml / 100 L |
1 | 7 ml / 100 L |
And for calcium, the same logic applies: the dosage is adjusted according to measured consumption. This table provides a quick reference for the #2 Calcium Complex .
Daily calcium intake in mg/L | Daily dosage Essentials Mixed Reef #2 Calcium Complex |
1 | 1 ml / 100 L |
2.5 | 2.5 ml / 100 L |
5 | 5 ml / 100 L |
Mixed Reef vs SPS: Understanding why this version is different
If the tank is a "mixed" reef with fish, the Mixed Reef version is truly beneficial: its #1 KH Complex uses an approach better suited to this type of aquarium and can help maintain more controlled nutrient levels. For a tank dominated by SPS corals, with a more "ultra-stable and demanding" approach, other solutions exist. Here, the objective remains clear: stability + simplicity + balance for a vibrant, diverse, and enjoyable reef to maintain.
| ATI Essentials Mixed Reef | ATI Essentials SPS |
Recommended aquarium type | Mixed Reef | SPS-dominated tank |
Fish population | Medium to high | Low to medium |
Nitrate/phosphate reduction | Yes (favorable trend) | No |
Suggested daily dosage | 3–7 ml / 100 L (per solution) | 5–10 ml / 100 L (per solution) |
Ready to use / same dosage #1 and #2 | Yes | Yes |
Practical information: behavior at low temperatures
Because the solution is highly concentrated, #1 KH Complex may crystallize if left in the cold. This is nothing to worry about: the crystals will disappear by gently warming the container in a lukewarm water bath (around 45°C ) or by placing it near a heat source. If using in a very cold room (below 20°C ), a 1:1 dilution with reverse osmosis water can be considered, maintaining the same dilution for #2 to ensure the same dosage.
