ALL-IN-ONE REEF KEEPING SYSTEM

RKS REEF ENGINE CORE 7.7X HIGH CONCENTRATE

BY MODERN REEF

MORE THAN TRACE ELEMENTS

Reef keeping has often been made more complicated than it needs to be.

Many hobbyists are told they need separate bottles for trace elements, amino acids, coloration, growth, polyp extension, bacterial support, and “special” additives. The result is often a cabinet full of products, confusing dosing schedules, and constant guessing.

All-in-One Reef Keeping System RKS Reef Engine Core 7.7x High Concentrate was developed to make professional reef keeping easier, cleaner, and more consistent.

It is not just a trace element system.
It is not just a calcium and KH system.

It is a comprehensive proportional reef-keeping foundation designed to support the aquarium based on actual consumption.

The formula includes major elements, minor elements, trace elements, organic and inorganic micronutrients, amino acids, biologically supportive components, and selected functional ingredients that support coral growth, coloration, extension, tissue health, and long-term reef stability.

In simple words:

DOSE BY CONSUMPTION. LET THE FORMULA DO THE HARD WORK.

---

WHAT IS REEF ENGINE CORE?

Reef Engine Core is the evolved formula inside the Modern Reef Proportional Consumption Reef Keeping System.

It is a 4-part high-concentrate system designed to maintain the main chemistry, nutritional support, coloration support, and biological foundation of a modern reef aquarium through one clear method:

DOSE IS EQUAL PARTS ACCORDING TO KH AND CALCIUM CONSUMPTION.

As your reef grows, it simultaneously consumes carbonate hardness, calcium, and many other components. Reef Engine Core is built around this natural consumption pattern.

Instead of making the hobbyist act like a chemist — testing and adding many separate products one by one — Reef Engine Core brings essential and supportive components together in one balanced, proportional formula.

This allows both beginners and experienced reef keepers to run their aquariums more professionally from day one, while keeping the daily routine simple.

---

WHY THIS SYSTEM IS DIFFERENT

Many systems focus mainly on replacing elements.

Reef Engine Core goes further.

A thriving reef aquarium does not depend only on calcium, KH, magnesium, and trace elements. Corals also respond to their environment, nutrient availability, organic signals, microbial balance, feeding, light, flow, and overall system stability.

Reef Engine Core was developed with this bigger picture in mind.

It is inspired by our research into coral environmental cues, microbial interactions, and the often-overlooked biome that underpins reef health. Through our study of how natural reef systems create favourable conditions for coral growth, the formula was refined to better enrich the closed aquarium environment and support a more balanced, stable, and biologically supportive reef system.

The formula is designed to support:

• Stable KH and calcium balance
• Major, minor, and trace element replenishment
• Coral coloration
• Growth and skeletal development
• Polyp extension
• Tissue health
• Pigment expression
• Organic and inorganic micronutrient availability
• Environmental and biological support
• Long-term reef stability
• A simpler, more professional maintenance routine

This is why Reef Engine Core should not be seen as only “trace elements in a bottle.”

It is the core engine of the Modern Reef method.

---

WHAT IS DIFFERENT FROM THE PREVIOUS VERSION?

The Modern Reef proportional consumption system is still the foundation of Reef Engine Core.

That has not changed.

The new RKS Reef Engine Core 7.7x High Concentrate is an evolved and updated version of the previous formula. It keeps the same core philosophy: dose according to real aquarium consumption, while allowing the complete formula to support the reef in proportion to KH and calcium demand.

This update is inspired by our continued research into coral environmental cues, microbial interactions, and the biome that supports reef health.

Through our study of how natural reef systems create favourable conditions for coral growth, we refined the formula to better enrich the closed aquarium environment and support a more balanced, stable, and biologically active reef system.

The improvement is not only about replacing consumed elements. It is also about supporting the environment around the coral, including the aquarium ecosystem, biological balance, coral response, tissue health, coloration, and long-term stability.

The formula has been updated to place a stronger focus on the conditions that help corals settle, adapt, grow, and function naturally in a closed reef aquarium.

The updated version is also more dilution-friendly, making it easier to use in nano reefs, young aquariums, low-consumption systems, and dosing setups that require larger dosing volumes for better pump accuracy.

Compatibility between KH1 and KH2 has also been improved. This allows KH1 and KH2 to be combined when needed, enabling the system to run with a 3-head dosing pump.

When combined, KH1 and KH2 must always be mixed in equal parts and dosed as the double KH container compared to CAL and MAG.

The pH+ effect has been slightly improved. The previous version already delivered good pH performance, but the updated formula offers further refinement in this area while keeping the system stable and easy to use.

In addition, the updated version offers:

• An evolved formula inspired by research into coral environmental cues and microbial interactions
• A stronger focus on the aquarium biome and the reef ecosystem
• Better support for a balanced, stable, and biologically supportive closed aquarium environment
• Improved dilution flexibility
• Improved KH1/KH2 compatibility for optional 3-head dosing pump use
• Slightly improved pH+ support
• Easier use across different aquarium sizes and dosing setups
• The same proportional consumption method that reef keepers already know

In simple words:

The method is the same.
The formula has evolved.
The system is more flexible.
The focus is now even stronger on supporting the reef environment as a whole, not only the direct needs of the coral.

---

MADE FOR HOBBYISTS. BUILT WITH PROFESSIONAL THINKING.

Reef Engine Core is made for every reef keeper.

For new hobbyists, it gives a clear path from the beginning. Instead of learning by overdosing separate additives or chasing numbers, the system helps them maintain the reef in proportion to actual consumption.

For experienced hobbyists, it reduces unnecessary complexity. Instead of spending time mixing many additives, adjusting many bottles, and constantly “playing the chemist,” Reef Engine Core lets the formula handle the foundation so they can spend more time enjoying the aquarium.

For professional users, coral farms, shops, and SPS keepers, it provides a concentrated, efficient system that can be adjusted to real demand while keeping daily operations simple and repeatable.

The goal is simple:

MORE TIME ENJOYING THE REEF. LESS TIME GUESSING.

---

PROFESSIONAL RESULTS FROM DAY ONE

A new reef keeper should not need years of trial and error to understand which extra bottles to add, when to add them, and how much is safe.

Reef Engine Core gives the reef a professional foundation from day one.

Because the important support components are already built into the formula, the hobbyist does not need to create a complicated mix of traces, amino acids, color boosters, and growth products.

The “secrets” are already inside the formula — balanced, tested, and connected to the aquarium’s real consumption.

This makes the system easier to follow and safer than adding many separate products independently.

---

THE MODERN REEF PROPORTIONAL CONSUMPTION METHOD

Every reef aquarium has its own consumption.

A tank full of fast-growing Acropora will consume differently from a mixed reef. A young reef will consume differently from a mature reef. A low-nutrient aquarium will behave differently from a heavily fed aquarium.

This is why fixed dosing is often not enough.

The Modern Reef method follows the aquarium’s actual consumption, mainly through KH and calcium.

Once the correct daily dosage and ideal KH level are determined, Reef Engine Core supplies the remaining formula in the appropriate proportions.

That means the reef receives the full foundation based on how much it actually uses.

This helps reduce:

• Overdosing
• Unnecessary accumulation
• Random additive stacking
• Unstable correction dosing
• Guesswork
• Complicated routines

---

WHAT THE FORMULA SUPPORTS

Reef Engine Core is designed to support the full reef environment, not only individual parameters.

CHEMISTRY FOUNDATION

• KH stability
• Calcium balance
• Magnesium support
• Major and minor element replenishment
• Trace element balance

CORAL GROWTH

• Skeletal growth
• Tissue development
• Energy support
• Recovery and adaptation

COLORATION

• Fluorescent pigment expression
• Reflective pigment expression
• Non-fluorescent chromoproteins
• Red, pink, blue, purple, yellow, and orange color development

BIOLOGICAL SUPPORT

• Environmental conditioning
• Aquarium biome support
• Coral response to stable conditions
• Long-term system maturity

DAILY STABILITY

• More predictable dosing
• Reduced need for separate additives
• Easier adjustment
• Professional routine with fewer steps

---

NOT JUST ADDITIVES – A COMPLETE CORE FORMULA

Adding separate products one by one can work, but it also increases the risk of imbalance.

One bottle may contain trace elements. Another may contain amino acids. Another may target color. Another may target growth. Another may affect nutrients or bacterial activity.

When these are dosed separately, the hobbyist must decide:

• Which product is needed
• How much to dose
• When to dose
• What to reduce
• What might accumulate
• What might interact with another product

This is where many reef keepers lose stability.

Reef Engine Core simplifies this by combining the main support into one proportional system.

The formula is built to work together, not as separate guesses.

---

IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE THE BOTTLE NAMES AS SINGLE-ELEMENT SUPPLEMENTS

The names of the bottles and canisters are part of the system’s dosing structure. They should not be treated as if each bottle contains only the element written in its name.

For example, Base MAG should not be considered “only magnesium” and should not be used by itself to correct or raise magnesium in a new or unbalanced aquarium.

Each part of Reef Engine Core is connected to the complete proportional formula. Using only one part at the beginning can disturb the system’s balance.

During the initial setup and balancing period, use the dedicated Modern Reef correction supplements when a single parameter needs adjustment:

• Modern Reef KH+ for KH adjustment
• Modern Reef Ca+ for calcium adjustment
• Modern Reef Mg+ for magnesium adjustment

Use these correction supplements to bring the aquarium into the recommended range before relying fully on the RKS dosing system.

Once the aquarium is balanced and has been running with Reef Engine Core for some time, small corrections may be made using the canisters or the system as needed.

However, at the beginning, do not use individual RKS bottles as standalone correction products.

The RKS bottles are designed to work together as a complete formula, not as separate single-element additives.

---

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SYSTEM?

Reef Engine Core is supplied as a 4-part liquid system:

• KH1
• CAL
• KH2
• MAG

All four parts are dosed in equal amounts.

Each part contributes to the complete system. The formula is designed to work as a set, not as separate, standalone products.

---

BASIC DOSING RULE

DOSE EQUAL PARTS

Dose the same amount from each of the four parts:

• KH1
• CAL
• KH2
• MAG

Example:

If your aquarium requires 10 ml per day, dose:

• 10 ml KH1
• 10 ml CAL
• 10 ml KH2
• 10 ml MAG

This keeps the proportional formula balanced.

In new aquariums or when nitrogen processes may affect KH consumption, the system can be temporarily operated in a 2-by-2 balance method.

This means:

• KH1 and KH2 are dosed at the same amount.
• CAL and MAG are dosed at the same amount.

The KH1/KH2 pair and the CAL/MAG pair may be adjusted separately for a limited period to help the aquarium reach balance.

Example:

• KH1: 10 ml per day
• KH2: 10 ml per day
• CAL: 8 ml per day
• MAG: 8 ml per day

This method can be useful during the early stages of a reef aquarium or when biological activity and nitrogen cycling temporarily affect KH behaviour.

In normal operation, and once the aquarium becomes more stable, the system should usually return to equal-part dosing of all four parts.

---

TARGET LEVELS

Recommended working range:

The key daily parameter is KH.

Calcium is used during setup and adjustment to help find the aquarium’s ideal balance point.

---

FINDING THE IDEAL KH LEVEL

The ideal KH level is not the same for every aquarium.

With Reef Engine Core, the goal is to find the KH level at which your aquarium maintains stable calcium while dosing equal parts.

STEP 1: DOSE ALL FOUR PARTS EQUALLY

Start with equal dosing of KH1, CAL, KH2, and MAG.

STEP 2: MONITOR KH AND CALCIUM

During the first setup period, test KH and calcium regularly.

STEP 3: KEEP CALCIUM BETWEEN 380-420 PPM

Adjust the daily dosage to keep calcium within this range.

STEP 4: OBSERVE WHERE KH STABILIZES

When calcium is stable, check the KH level.

If KH is between 6.8–8 dKH, that is normally the aquarium’s ideal working point.

STEP 5: CONTINUE WITH KH AS THE MAIN TEST

Once the system is balanced, KH becomes the main parameter to monitor regularly.

---

HOW TO ADJUST DOSAGE

IF KH IS DROPPING

Increase all four parts equally.

IF KH IS RISING

Reduce all four parts equally.

IF CALCIUM IS DROPPING WHILE KH IS STABLE

Increase all four parts equally and allow KH to settle slightly higher within the recommended range.

IF CALCIUM IS RISING WHILE KH IS STABLE

Reduce all four parts equally and allow KH to settle slightly lower within the recommended range.

Always adjust gradually.

---

STARTING DOSAGE REFERENCE

The product concentration is:

10 ML PER 100 LITERS RAISES KH BY APPROXIMATELY 2 DKH

Use this only as a reference for calculations.

Do not raise KH quickly. For normal use, dose according to daily consumption and adjust slowly.

---

7.7X HIGH CONCENTRATE

Reef Engine Core is supplied as a 7.7x High Concentrate formula.

This makes it efficient for high-consumption systems while remaining flexible for smaller, lower-consumption aquariums.

Because the formula is more dilution-friendly, it can be adapted for aquariums where very small daily dosing amounts are needed.

---

DILUTION FOR LOW-CONSUMPTION AQUARIUMS

For low-consumption systems, nano reefs, or young aquariums, Reef Engine Core can be diluted with RO/DI water.

This helps dosing pumps deliver larger and more accurate volumes.

DILUTION RULES

• Use only RO/DI water.
• Dilute all four parts equally.
• Use clean containers.
• Label containers clearly.
• Store away from direct light.
• Dose the diluted parts equally.

COMMON DILUTION EXAMPLES

Example:

If the aquarium needs 2 ml per day undiluted, and you dilute 1:3, you will dose 8 ml per day from each part.

---

USING A DOSING PUMP

A dosing pump is recommended for stable daily dosing.

Use a 4-head dosing pump when possible.

Recommended dosing order:

1. KH1
2. CAL
3. KH2
4. MAG

Leave 10-15 minutes between parts.

Dose into a high-flow area of the sump.

For best stability, divide the daily amount into several smaller doses throughout the day.

---

IF YOU HAVE A 3-HEAD DOSING PUMP

A 4-head dosing pump is preferred.

If only 3 heads are available, KH1 and KH2 may be combined with the new Reef Engine Core formula.

Always mix equal parts KH1 and KH2 in one dosing container, as they do not contain the same ingredients.

The combined KH container must be dosed at twice the volume of CAL and MAG.

Example:

• KH1 + KH2 combined: 20 ml per day
• CAL: 10 ml per day
• MAG: 10 ml per day

---

DOSING PUMP CALIBRATION

For accurate dosing, always calibrate each dosing pump head using the same liquid that will be dosed from that channel.

Do not calibrate by weight.

Do not calibrate with RO/DI water and then dose Reef Engine Core, because different liquids can move through dosing tubes at slightly different rates.

For best accuracy:

• Calibrate KH1 with KH1.
• Calibrate CAL with CAL.
• Calibrate KH2 with KH2.
• Calibrate MAG with MAG.
• Use the same tubing length used in the final setup.
• Recalibrate every pump head regularly.

Correct calibration helps maintain the system’s proportional balance and prevent long-term dosing errors.

---

AVOID ABSORBERS, OZONE, AND CONTINUOUS ACTIVE CARBON

For best results, avoid using chemical absorbers, ozone, and continuous active carbon together with Reef Engine Core.

These methods may remove or reduce some supportive components in the formula and interfere with the balanced, proportional system.

Avoid regular use of:

• Phosphate absorbers
• Heavy metal absorbers
• Mixed chemical absorbers
• Ozone
• Continuous active carbon
• Strong chemical filtration media are used without a clear reason

If active carbon must be used, use it only in a mesh bag for one week per month.

Do not run active carbon continuously in a reactor unless there is a specific short-term reason.

The system is designed to maintain balance. Unnecessary chemical removal can make the aquarium less predictable and may reduce the effect of the complete formula.

---

DO YOU NEED EXTRA ADDITIVES?

In normal use, no.

Reef Engine Core already contains the core support needed for the Modern Reef method.

There is no need to add extra:

• Trace element blends
• Amino acid products
• Color boosters
• Growth boosters
• Polyp extension additives
• Random “secret” additives

Adding too many extra products can create instability, accumulation, or unwanted reactions.

For best results, Reef Engine Core should be used as the main foundation together with:

• Modern Reef Complete Reef Fuel
  (old name: Complete Reef Food)
• Modern Reef Polypop

---

TRUST THE SYSTEM – DO NOT CHASE NUMBERS

Reef Engine Core is designed to operate on proportional consumption, rather than forcing every aquarium to match a single fixed number.

If a parameter is within the recommended range, do not change the system just because you prefer a specific number.

For example, if KH, calcium, magnesium, salinity, nutrients, and temperature are all within recommended values and the corals look healthy, the best course of action is often to keep conditions stable.

Constantly adjusting a reef aquarium to chase exact numbers can create more instability than benefit.

The goal is not to control every parameter perfectly on paper. The goal is to keep the aquarium stable, balanced, and thriving.

Trust the system, follow consumption, and avoid unnecessary corrections.

---

STORAGE

Store in a shaded place away from direct light.

Do not place bottles or dosing containers under aquarium lights or strong room lighting.

No refrigeration is needed.

If storing for a long period, keep the product in a cool place.

Transparent dosing containers should also be kept away from strong light.

---

COLD WEATHER SHIPPING AND SOLID PARTICLES

During transit or shipping, especially in very cold weather, some liquids may develop visible solid particles.

This can happen when the product is exposed to low temperatures, and it does not mean the product is damaged.

Before use, check the liquid.

If solid particles are visible:

1. Keep the cap closed.
2. Place the bottle in hot tap water for about 30 minutes.
3. Allow the liquid temperature to rise.
4. Gently mix the bottle.
5. Check that the solid particles have dissolved back into the solution.

Once the liquid returns to a clear and uniform solution, it can be used normally.

Wait until the liquid reaches room temperature before calibrating the dosing pump.

Do not use boiling water.
Do not microwave the product.
Do not open the cap while warming.

---

SIMPLE ROUTINE FOR EVERY HOBBYIST

Daily or regular routine:

• Dose equal parts.
• Keep KH stable.
• Observe coral response.
• Feed the reef properly.
• Avoid unnecessary additives.
• Avoid absorbers, ozone, and continuous active carbon.
• Enjoy the aquarium.

This is the purpose of Reef Engine Core: to make reef keeping more natural, stable, and enjoyable.

---

FINAL MESSAGE

All-in-One Reef Keeping System RKS Reef Engine Core 7.7x High Concentrate by Modern Reef is more than a trace element system.

It is the complete core formula for the Modern Reef Proportional Consumption Reef Keeping System.

It supplies the reef with essential chemistry, micronutrients, amino acids, coloration support, biological support, and a stability foundation – all dosed according to real aquarium consumption.

For beginners, it offers a professional reef-keeping foundation from day one.

For experienced reef keepers, it removes unnecessary complexity.

For experts and professionals, it makes daily operation simpler, cleaner, and more repeatable.

No need to play the chemist.

DOSE BY CONSUMPTION. LET THE FORMULA DO THE HARD WORK. ENJOY YOUR REEF.