The ATI Essentials program is built on convenience. Each bottle is highly concentrated, balanced, and ready for immediate dosing. With no mixing, no complicated recipes, and complete coverage of major and trace elements, you get an easy, streamlined solution that never compromises on coral health or reef performance.
Essentials
The right balance for every reef.
Two formulas with a single goal
Vibrant and thriving corals
Essentials Mixed Reef
(formerly Essentials Pro)
Use in Mixed Reef Aquariums
~5X Balling Concentration
Stabilizes pH
Reduce Nutrients
Organic and Inorganic Alkalinity Sources
Any Fish Stocking Level
Beginner-to-Advanced User
Essentials SPS
(formerly Essentials Plus)
Use in SPS-dominant Aquariums
~ 3.6X Balling Concentration
Increases and Stabilizes pH
No Nutrient Reduction
Inorganic Alkalinity Source
Low-to-Medium Fish Stocking Level
Intermediate-to-Advanced Use
Understanding alkalinity sources
Organic Alkalinity – Bacteria in a reef aquarium convert organic alkalinity into the inorganic form that corals can use, such as bicarbonate and carbonate. During this process, the bacteria also consume nutrients such as nitrate and phosphate, and a protein skimmer or other filtration system then removes the nutrient-laden bacteria. Ideal for tanks with medium to high nutrient levels.
Inorganic Alkalinity – Inorganic alkalinity is immediately available for coral growth as bicarbonate and carbonate. Unlike the organic form, it does not interact with nitrate or phosphate, so nutrient levels remain stable. Ideal for aquariums where the user desires complete control over the nutrient levels in the tank.
Determine your dose.
It’s simple. Just complete our short form to find the recommended daily and one-time doses for your aquarium.
Effortless reef care
Maximum value and performance
With ATI Essentials, you’re not just dosing, you’re investing in efficiency. Each bottle is packed with up to 5× the concentration of competitor systems like Balling 2-part—the maximum concentration possible at room temperature without causing precipitation. That means dramatically fewer refills, far lower cost per dose, and complete peace of mind knowing your corals get everything they need in a stable, safe formula. More reef care and less waste, Essentials gives you unmatched value without ever compromising coral health or growth.
Complete coverage — down to every trace
Both ATI Essentials Mixed Reef and SPS go beyond calcium and alkalinity by supplying a full spectrum of trace elements, like iodine, iron, molybdenum, vanadium, and more—at optimized levels built on tens of thousands of ATI ICP tests. Each formula is engineered to deliver precise coverage without the risk of harmful accumulation, helping corals achieve vibrant coloration, strong growth, and long-term health without the need for additional additives.
Essentials #1 includes:
- Carbonate (KH/Alkalinity)
- Fluorine
- Iodine
- Selenium
- Sodium
- Sulfur
Essentials #2 includes:
- Barium
- Boron
- Bromine
- Calcium
- Chlorine
- Chromium
- Cobalt
- Copper
- Iron
- Lithium
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Nickel
- Potassium
- Rubidium
- Strontium
- Tin
- Vanadium
- Zinc
Stronger concentration = Better value
ATI Essentials packs more punch per dose than standard dosing systems—Essentials SPS is 3.6× more concentrated than traditional Balling 2-part, while Essentials Mixed Reef is 5× more concentrated. That means smaller doses, less storage space, and greater efficiency without compromising coral health.
Ready-to-use
ATI Essentials Mixed Reef and SPS come pre-mixed at peak concentration, so you can dose directly from the bottle without any extra preparation. For even greater precision, pair your Essentials system with ATI ICP Kits and ATI ICP Elements, which provide detailed water analysis and targeted dosing of individual elements—taking the guesswork out of maintaining optimal coral health and reef performance.
Comprehensive water care for your aquarium
Essentials
Two-part dosing containing 26 essential elements, for mixed reef and SPS tanks
ICP Labs Water Analysis
Comprehensive water testing your choice of Basic, Pro, and Premium to suit your needs.
Elements
High-purity individual supplements to fine-tune the elements to your tank's growth and color.