The reef tank is a complex microcosm. A tank’s inhabitants consume and absorb components from the seawater in which they live, while at the same time releasing various chemical compounds into it. As we feed our animals, we introduce additional nutrients to the tank.
The general term for nutrients is “dissolved organic compounds” (DOCs). DOCs include proteins, amino acids, phenols, terpenoids, fats and hydrocarbons, among other things. These are present even in healthy tanks, but if DOCs are allowed to accumulate, they can cause algae blooms and a variety of other problems. At abnormally high levels, DOCs can lead to reduced growth and disease susceptibility in invertebrates.
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