Best Reef Aquarium Additives of 2022
Additives are perhaps one of the most diverse product categories on our website. There are thousands of options from a multitude of different brands and many of them do the same exact thing. It's just not always easy to find the BEST solution for your tank. We put together a list of our favorite additives with a focus on the specific needs of a reef tank owner including major, minor, and trace elements, coral nutrition, and biologically sound, reef-safe problem solvers.
Sometimes making the best choice is simply a matter of listening to the community because not only do we appreciate the effectiveness of these additives, it is apparent all of you do as well. All of the choices on this list are leaders in their respective categories in terms of both sales and customer feedback.
BRS Pharma
This is the stuff that put us on the map. Pharmaceutical-grade additives at bulk prices that you can safely mix and use at home. What more could a discerning reef tank owner ask for when looking to maintain major elements?
BRS Pharma covers calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium with our easy-to-use two-part system as well as kalkwasser for those who wish to make things even easier. The BRS Bulk Additives are easily the best-selling in the industry and have been producing vibrant, robust aquariums across the USA since 2007.
Component 1+, 2+, 3+ Bundle
Aquaforest Component Bundle is a complete major, minor, and trace element solution modeled after the original balling method. It is a three-part dosing system, that comes ready to dose and has proven to be one of the easiest approaches to achieving ionic balance in your reef tank.
What makes the Component System easy is the 1:1:1 dosing, in other words, the same amount of each solution will be dosed into your aquarium each day. Each formula is premixed at the exact ratio necessary to maintain stability in a reef tank when dosed in equal parts. No messy mixing and no more constant adjustments.
Red Sea Reef Energy AB+
Red Sea Reef Energy AB+ resonated with hobbyists across the globe because of the visually better coloration and growth rates it creates among captive corals. The unique liquid blend is more than just your typical freeze-dried coral food.
The Reef Energy supplements were originally two separate additives that Red Sea has now combined together to create the new AB+ formula. It includes both nutrient-rich suspending food particles for coral to capture as well as dissolved carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins that coral can absorb directly from the water.
Maximum nutrition for maximum results!
Tropic Marin All-For-Reef
Tropic Marin's All-For-Reef has quickly become a customer favorite because it is an effective solution for replenishing ALL of the major, minor, and trace elements your corals use in a single dose.
With the extra savings you get when using the dry formulation, All-For-Reef is now an economically viable solution for both small and large aquaria alike. One dosing pump, one dose per day, and all your elemental needs are met without any of the hassles that come with alternative solutions - no salt creep, no pH spikes, and the elements are all ionically balanced.
AFR is made possible with the use of calcium formate which can safely be mixed with Tropic Marin's Bio-Magnesium and Trace Element A- and K+ solutions without the worry of precipitation or degradation. A unique biological process that naturally occurs in your aquarium then safely raises alkalinity levels with each dose. It really is one additive to rule them all.
Dr. Tim's Aquatics Bundles
Dr. Tim's Aquatics is no stranger to the additives game and is most known for the popular One-and-Only bacteria supplement. Dr. Tim himself has conveniently bundled a variety of different additives from his entire lineup of liquids that when used together provide some very effective, reef-safe solutions to common challenges that plague tank owners.
- Fishless Cycle Method
- Cyanobacteria Clean-Up
- Dinoflagellates Removal
- Color Up Your Corals
Each bundle comes complete with enough additives to successfully treat your particular tank along with a detailed recipe for success so you will know exactly what to do.
Korallen Zucht Coral System
Korallen Zucht is responsible for some of the most incredible captive SPS aquariums in the world and has pioneered the way for modern coral collectors. They offer a wide array of specialty reef tank additives that cover everything from flatworm prevention and cyanobacteria control to trace elements and coral nutrition.
The KZ Coral System is on the pedestal here because it is a straightforward system that provides both minor/trace elements and coral nutrition. The four bottles only require a single dose per week making it easy to pair with your favorite two-part solution or kalkwasser. Together, you can achieve a comprehensive dosing solution that will improve coloration, increase growth rates, and promote optimal coral health.
