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Differences in Major Ions Composition of Artificial Seawater from Aquarium Tanks at the New Jersey State Aquarium

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Aquarium Sciences and Conservation

Abstract

Concentrations of major seawater ions were monitored in six aquarium tanks at the New Jersey State Aquarium over a three-year period. The ratios of these ions to chlorinity were compared to those in freshly prepared artificial seawater. The largest aquarium tank (Ocean Tank) exhibits statistically significant (p<0.01) relative enrichment of potassium, calcium and strontium, and relative depletion of magnesium and sulphate. The likely source of excess potassium is from potassium iodide added to prevent goiter in sharks. Based on the excess potassium, a total amount of 650 µmol/kg iodide added over the years was calculated for the Ocean Tank. The excess calcium observed in several tanks correlates with the presence of concrete or arbonaceous shells in these tanks. In Ocean Tank, a calcium leaching rate of 6.7 kg/month was calculated. Continuous formation of white carbonaceous precipitates serves as a sink for magnesium in Ocean Tank, and a magnesium removal rate of 5.1 kg/month was calculated. These and other results show that concentrations of major ions in artificial seawater aquaria are affected by leaching, precipitation and addition of food supplements, and these factors should be taken into account when preparing artificial seawater for aquarium tanks with long water residence time.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Marine Science Program, Pomona, NJ, 08240, USA

    Gordan Grguric & James A. Komas

  2. New Jersey State Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA

    Lisa A. Gainor

Authors
  1. Gordan Grguric
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  2. James A. Komas
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  3. Lisa A. Gainor
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Grguric, G., Komas, J.A. & Gainor, L.A. Differences in Major Ions Composition of Artificial Seawater from Aquarium Tanks at the New Jersey State Aquarium. Aquarium Sciences and Conservation 2, 145–159 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009662216761

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