Electro-Plating Stoney Corals?

[kaptken]

Perhaps a new thread in response to the electricity thread might be good to discuss coral growth and electric charge. I have long read about this patented method of increasing coral skeletal growth by an applied voltage similar to electro-plating. The inventor aims to build harbor reef structures and shallow reefs to shelter eroding islands. They build rebar structures, apply a small negative DC charge from solar cells to it with an accompanying anode near by in the water, and it helps corals absorb calcium at a much faster rate.

http://www.biorock.net/

thats one website. I just haven't figured out how to do it in a tank without ZORCHING myself.

they claim much faster coral growth and better survivability in warm water bleaching temperatures.

Interesting.

 

[Billybeau1]

You may have a better shot at posting this in the Advanced forum or the Coral forum.

When Bert sees this maybe he can move it for you.

 

[bertoni]

I'll move it to the advanced forum if you wish. I don't know how well this would work in a closed tank. Rebar is not something I'd put into my system.

 

[baj]

I thought the primary motive for the small charge was to get aragonite to form on the rebar. The increased growth was an unintended effect and they dont know if it is due to the small dc charge or some other reason.

 

[kaptken]

A move to another forum is fine with me. its mostly for info. Im aware of it because of an interest in what's new in reef restoration. Yes the charge builds carbonate rock structures by accretion of carbonates and minerals from the sea water onto conductive frames. the fresh new coating of carbonates makes a nice surface for coral larvae to colonize. but they seem to find it also aids coral polyps in fixing carbonate skeletons.

aquarium use may be useless as it may rock up everything in the tank while rapidly depleting alkalinity. as well as an electrical danger. besides the ocean has a continuous supply and flow with a fully grounded sand bed. but as ocean alkalinity and PH continue to drop, this may be a good method to assist reef restoration and building. and for farming frags for the hobby.