What is a chelator?

[wfgworks]

I just picked up a small sample of Sera Meersalz at my LFS. I was reading the instructions and it says it has a special chelator that supports the detoxification of heavy metals.

What is a Chelator?

Do all salts contain a Chelator?

Is it ok to use a salt that contains a Chelator?

Have you ever heard of or used Sera Meersalz?

Thanks!

[jfinch]

A chelator is a special type of organic molecule that will grab and hold on to metals. This make's the metal less "available" for biological or other chemical processes. I think EDTA and citrate are the most commonly used ones in aquaria.

No

I don't know. I'm sure there are various opinions, but I would not (knowingly ) use a salt that contained a strong chelator.

No

[wfgworks]

Thanks jfinch

Can I get some opinions on using a Salt with a chelator in a reef tank?

[Muttling]

Originally posted by wfgworks
Thanks jfinch

Can I get some opinions on using a Salt with a chelator in a reef tank?

I would be extremely nervous about doing so. Many of our specimens come from an environment where a number of metals are present in trace quantities.

I would be worried about a chelating agent depleting one or several of these metals to absolute zero from a bioavailability stand point and having unforseen impacts.

IMO, replicating the natural reef environment is the ideal (but unachievable) standard. Using an overly aggressive agent to completely remove certain materials from bioavailability overshoots the target.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Thanks, Jon, for the good explanation of chelators.

Not all salts have them. Instant Ocean does not, for example. Others do.

I do not know what effect trace metal chelators have in a reef aquarium, either positive or negative. That uncertainty stems from a lack of understanding on my part of whether there is likely more harm or benefit from reducing the bioavailabilityof trace metals. The answer may even depend on the type of chelator, and the amount added.

FWIW, I use Instant Ocean, without any chelators.

[wfgworks]

Thanks for the info Randy

Have you heard of Sera Meersalz?

My LFS just started getting this salt in. Its a salt from Germany. Not sure how long its been around in the US or overseas.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I've heard of it, but don't have any information or opinion about it. Sorry.