The "REDOX POTENTIAL" relates to the degree of water purity in the aquarium. It is a measuring value (millivolts of conductivity) that gives information about the reduction and oxidation characteristics of water. (Redox is a contraction of reduction-oxidation.) Redox potentials are closely related to the stability of the marine aquarium and can be used as a barometer of water quality.

Agents that contribute to poor water quality decrease the oxygen content of water. These are reductive agents and include organic compounds (e.g. food, feces, etc.) which rapidly decompose to toxic compounds like ammonia and nitrite. Reductive agents decrease the redox potential, indicating the deterioration of water quality.

Oxygen and ozone are oxidative agents. They are important to water quality not only for respiration requirements but because they are able to temper the negative effects of the reductive agents. Maintaining animals in the aquarium naturally tends to lower the redox potential. (Ammonia, nitrite, carbon dioxide, sulfides, etc., all tend to lower the redox potential.) Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent and its use maintains the desired redox level in the aquarium. Studies show that increasing the redox potential from 200 mv. to 300 mv. in 100 ml. of water will reduce the concentration of coliform bacteria from 300 ppm to 30 ppm, a 90% decrease.

Increasing the redox potential from 200 mv. to 400 mv. in 100 ml. of water will reduce the concentration of coliform bacteria from 300 ppm to 3 ppm, a 99% decrease. We recommend a redox potential of 350 mv. to 400 mv. for marine fish aquariums, and 300 mv. to 350 mv. for aquariums with water plants, invertebrates, and freshwater systems.

The Redox Electrode should be installed in an area of active water flow and with adequate clearance (about 1") on all sides of the electrode tip to promote the most accurate readings. It is important that the electrode tip not be touched by your fingers or skin. Body oils can affect the measuring accuracy of the electrode.

REDOX POTENTIAL AND ALGAE:

Each species of algae reacts differently to changes in the redox potential. Generally, high redox potentials support the growth of green algae and suppress brown and red algae.

Measures redox potential and actuates an electrical device (usually an ozone generator) when the redox potential falls below a value set by the user.

Complete with probe, 3 m (9.8 ft) cable and redoxpotential cleaning fluid. Includes main plug and socket for connecting slave devices e.g. ozonizers.

070670 - Redox electrode