ESV Strontium Chloride Solution is a very pure and concentrated form of strontium, free of phosphates and nitrates. The aquarist should be aware that Strontium Chloride does not add bicarbonate and carbonate ions to the system. Since most calcifying organisms require these ions in addition to strontium ions, the aquarist should monitor alkalinity frequently when using Strontium Chloride and make the proper adjustments with a buffer additive.

Exactly how strontium suplementation benefits marine aquaria is a subject open for debate. Some have demonstrated its effectiveness in precipitating orthophosphate from the water column. This could result in less problem algae blooms and enhanced calcification of corals and coralline algae by lowering phosphates, which has been shown to "poison" calcification. Others have speculated that less energy is required for calcifying organisms to extract strontium carbonate than calcium carbonate because of greater insolubility. Regardless of the mechanism involved, there is strong anecdotal evidence that marine aquaria dosed with Strontium Chloride show increased growth rates of coralline algae and hard corals. There have been reports of suspected strontium toxicity to aquarium inhabitants when large doses were applied, so we recommend that the aquarist not exceed our maximum recommended dose.