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Brightwell Aquatics Supplements

(24 items)

Brightwell Aquatics' mission is to only provide the best customer service and goods available from any manufacturer of aquarium water care, all while acting in a straightforward and respectable manner. This may appear to be a high (and refreshing) objective, but a lot of time and work has gone into this quest; this is their promise to you, the Brightwell Aquatics Assurance of Quality and Ethics.

Dive Deeper: Info & Tips for Brightwell Aquatics

Brightwell Aquatics is a trusted brand among reef keepers, known for its scientifically developed additives, supplements, and bacterial products. Whether you’re maintaining a nano reef or a large mixed system, Brightwell offers tools that help you balance water chemistry, improve coral health, and support long-term system stability. With proper use, their products can enhance coloration, boost growth, and make reefkeeping more predictable and rewarding.

Explore the Brightwell Line

Brightwell’s product lineup covers essential areas of reef care, from foundational water chemistry to advanced nutrient control.

Calcium & Alkalinity Maintenance

  • Reef Code A & B: Two-part system for precise calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium dosing, ideal for small to medium systems.
  • Kalk+2: Kalkwasser solution used via auto top-off, especially useful in medium to large aquariums to stabilize calcium and alkalinity while offsetting the cost of other additives.

Bacterial Solutions & Cycling

  • MicroBacter7: General-purpose bacteria for nutrient control and system balance.
  • Start XLM: Concentrated nitrifying bacteria to cycle new tanks efficiently.
  • Purple M: Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) supporting nutrient cycling and water clarity (not for coralline algae growth).
  • QuickCycl: Bottled ammonia source to feed bacteria during fishless cycling.

Coral Nutrition & Coloration

Products like Coral Amino, AminOmega, Polyplab Ignite, and Vitamarin-C deliver targeted amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins to support coral tissue health, coloration, and polyp extension — particularly valuable in low-nutrient or high-light systems.

Nutrient Management

  • Phosphat-E: Reduces phosphate to control algae and maintain reef balance.
  • NeoNitro & NeoPhos: Safely increase nitrate or phosphate when levels run too low.
  • Reef BioFuel: Organic carbon source to stimulate bacterial nutrient export, best paired with a protein skimmer.

Specialty Additives

  • Lugol’s Solution, SpongExcel, Angelixír, FragRecover Coral Dip: Targeted treatments for iodine supplementation, sponge health, angel fish support, or safe coral frag dipping and pest prevention.

Optimization Tips

To get the most from Brightwell products, focus on measured, intentional dosing — never guess.

  • Test before dosing: Check calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, nitrate, and phosphate levels regularly, and dose according to your system’s needs.
  • Pair kalkwasser with two-part (when needed): Kalk+2 helps larger tanks stabilize calcium and alkalinity, often reducing how much two-part you need.
  • Feed corals carefully: Start coral foods and amino acids at the lower end of recommended doses; observe coral response before increasing.
  • Balance nutrients: Use NeoNitro or NeoPhos to prevent pale corals in ultra-low nutrient systems and Phosphat-E or BioFuel to manage excess nutrients.

Expert Tips

Reefkeeping success comes down to consistency and balance.

  • Keep calcium and alkalinity balanced, not just “in range.” Imbalances can lead to precipitation or swings that harm coral health.
  • Dose coral foods at night: Corals often extend polyps after lights out, making this the best time to feed amino acids or fatty acids.
  • Use BioFuel with a skimmer: The increased bacterial biomass needs an export path — without skimming, you risk cloudy water.
  • Cycle smart: Combine QuickCycl (ammonia) with Start XLM (bacteria) for efficient fishless cycling.

Prioritize system stability over perfect numbers: Small, steady improvements matter more than chasing exact test results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use Reef Code A & B or Kalk+2 for calcium and alkalinity?

Reef Code A & B is a straightforward two-part system, great for small to medium tanks or anyone wanting precise manual or pump-driven dosing. Kalk+2 (kalkwasser) is often used in medium to large systems to maintain calcium and alkalinity through your top-off water, helping buffer additive costs and reduce dosing frequency. Some advanced reefers even combine both approaches for optimal stability.

What’s the difference between MicroBacter7, Start XLM, Purple M, and QuickCycl?

- MicroBacter7: Broad-spectrum bacteria for nutrient control and biological stability.

- Start XLM: Concentrated nitrifying bacteria for quickly establishing biological filtration.

- Purple M: Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB), which support nutrient cycling and water clarity — not directly for coralline algae growth.

- QuickCycl: A bottled ammonia source used to feed bacteria during fishless cycling.

How should I safely reduce or increase nutrients in my reef tank?

Use Phosphat-E to lower phosphate and Reef BioFuel as a carbon source for bacteria-driven nutrient export. If your system runs ultra-low nutrients (which can cause pale corals), use NeoNitro (nitrate) or NeoPhos (phosphate) to gently raise levels. Always test before and after dosing — abrupt changes can stress corals and disrupt balance.

How do I use coral foods and supplements like Coral Amino, AminOmega, and Polyplab Ignite?

Start with 1–2 feedings per week, especially in low-nutrient systems, and observe coral response. Watch for improved polyp extension, coloration, and tissue growth. Overfeeding can lead to film algae or bacterial blooms, so increase gradually and maintain strong filtration.

What’s the correct way to use FragRecover Coral Dip?

Mix the dip according to label instructions (typically with tank water), submerge frags for 5–10 minutes, and gently swish to dislodge pests and eggs. Always rinse frags in clean saltwater before placing them back in your system. This helps reduce the risk of introducing parasites or hitchhikers to your tank.