- Joined
- Oct 7, 2018
- Messages
- 24
- Reaction score
- 15
The title says it all, but here is my question in more detail as well as my own grasp of the concept. I understand that coral take up carbonate or bicarbonate along with calcium (CA++ in seawater), if they take up bicarbonate, they convert it into carbonate along with calcium to create a calcium carbonate skeleton. I also understand that the PH determines what form carbonate or bicarbonate will take along with its effect on the solubility of calcium carbonate in the water. So, my question is this. Can coral take calcium carbonate directly from the water column and incorporate it into their skeleton? If so, does calcium carbonate undergo any changes in this process or is it directly assimilated into the skeleton? Please do not be shy with complex answers here. A detailed explanation would be appreciated. I don't hold any formal degrees in Biology or Chemistry so please keep that in mind, but I love this aspect of the hobby! I would appreciate a detailed answer or any input if my understanding is incorrect from someone who really knows what they are talking about.