Product Use & Safety Disclaimer

Important Notice:
The information and products provided by Modern Reef USA are intended for use by informed, responsible reef and aquarium hobbyists. By accessing this website, purchasing from Modern Reef USA, or using any Modern Reef USA products, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Product Use & Safety Disclaimer.

1. No Professional or Veterinary Advice

All information provided by Modern Reef USA, whether on this website, in product descriptions, manuals, guides, blog posts, social media, emails, chat, or any other communication, is:

• Provided for general informational and educational purposes only;
• Not intended to constitute professional, veterinary, medical, or scientific advice;
• Not a substitute for consultation with a qualified veterinarian, aquatic specialist, or other appropriate professional.

You are solely responsible for assessing whether any product, method, or recommendation is appropriate and safe for your specific aquarium system, livestock, equipment, and circumstances.

2. Proper Use of Products

Modern Reef USA products are intended only for the uses and purposes described on their labels, packaging, and documentation. By purchasing or using any Modern Reef USA product, you agree that you will:

1. Carefully read and follow all labels, instructions, manuals, SDS (Safety Data Sheets), and documentation provided with the product and/or available through our website.
2. Use each product strictly as directed, and only in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and with compatible systems and livestock.
3. Not modify, alter, repurpose, or misuse any product in any manner not expressly described by Modern Reef USA or the product manufacturer.
4. Handle, store, and transport products safely, in accordance with all instructions and applicable laws and regulations.
5. Keep all products out of reach of children and pets and prevent unauthorized access.

If you are uncertain about the correct or safe use of a product, you must not use the product until you have obtained adequate clarification and guidance from the manufacturer, Modern Reef USA, and/or a qualified professional.

3. Product‑Specific Safety Information

Modern Reef USA offers various categories of products, including but not limited to: dosing additives, chemicals and supplements for reef aquariums, food for fish and corals, empty vials for water analysis (including ICP and laboratory testing), bacteria for reef aquariums, standards (calibration/verification solutions or materials), and dry salt mixes for preparing saltwater. Each category carries specific risks and must be used with care as outlined below.

3.1 Dosing Additives, Chemicals, and Supplements

Dosing additives, chemicals, and supplements (including but not limited to calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, trace elements, nutrient control products, and other water‑chemistry products):

• May be hazardous if misused, overdosed, underdosed, or combined improperly.
• May cause sudden changes in water chemistry that can stress or kill livestock if not used carefully.

You agree that you will:

• Test and monitor relevant water parameters with appropriate test kits and/or laboratory services before and after dosing.
• Introduce new additives gradually wherever recommended, and avoid large, sudden changes in alkalinity, calcium, salinity, nutrients, or other critical parameters.
• Never exceed the maximum recommended dosage rates unless specifically and clearly advised by the manufacturer, and you fully understand the risks.
• Avoid mixing or combining different chemicals in the same container unless the manufacturer explicitly states this is safe.

Modern Reef USA is not responsible for any adverse effects, livestock loss, or system instability arising from dosing decisions, test inaccuracies, or failure to monitor and maintain stable parameters.

3.2 Food for Fish and Corals

Food products for fish and corals (including frozen, dry, liquid, powdered, or prepared foods):

• Are not for human consumption and must not be ingested by humans or non‑target animals.
• Must be stored according to the instructions (e.g., refrigeration, freezing, protection from moisture, light, or heat) to prevent spoilage or degradation.
• May impact water quality if overfed or misused (for example, causing nutrient spikes, algal blooms, or bacterial imbalances).

You agree that you will:

• Use aquarium foods only for feeding aquarium livestock and never for human or pet consumption (unless specifically labelled as such, which our products are not).
• Follow manufacturer feeding guidelines and adjust feeding amounts based on livestock needs and water‑quality monitoring.
• Discard any spoiled, contaminated, or expired food in a safe and legal manner.

3.3 Bacteria for Reef Aquariums

Bacterial products (including nitrifying bacteria, biological starters, boosters, and maintenance bacteria):

• Contain living or dormant microorganisms intended to be added to aquarium systems.
• Must be stored, handled, and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions (e.g., temperature, shaking, expiration dates).

You agree that you will:

• Use bacterial products only as intended for aquarium use and not for any other purpose.
• Avoid ingestion, inhalation of aerosols, or direct contact with eyes, and wash hands after handling.
• Understand that bacterial products may alter biological filtration and nutrient dynamics, and that improper use may lead to system imbalances or livestock stress.

3.4 Standards, Calibration Solutions, and Reference Materials

Standards, calibration solutions, and reference materials (for test kits, instrumentation, and laboratory comparisons):

• Are not for human consumption and are not to be used as aquarium additives unless expressly and clearly stated.
• Are intended solely for calibration, verification, and testing purposes.

You agree that you will:

• Use standards and calibration solutions only as directed for testing, calibration, or verification.
• Not add standards or reference solutions directly to your aquarium unless the manufacturer explicitly states this is safe and intended.
• Follow any specific handling and disposal instructions due to potential chemical contents.

3.5 Dry Salt Mixes for Making Saltwater

Dry salt products for preparing saltwater:

• May cause irritation to skin, eyes, or respiratory system if inhaled as dust or if they come into contact with mucous membranes.
• Must be fully dissolved and properly mixed to the appropriate salinity and temperature before use in an aquarium.

You agree that you will:

• Avoid inhaling salt dust and consider using appropriate protection (e.g., mask, gloves, eye protection) when handling large amounts.
• Mix salt in clean containers with appropriate water (e.g., RO/DI where recommended) and allow it to dissolve and aerate fully before use.
• Verify salinity and other recommended parameters (such as temperature, pH, and alkalinity) before adding the prepared saltwater to your aquarium.
• Never ingest dry salt mix or saltwater, and keep it away from children and pets.

3.6 Empty Vials and Containers for Water Analysis (Including ICP)

Empty vials, tubes, and containers intended for water sampling and laboratory analysis:

• Are not medical‑grade devices and are not intended for any medical, pharmaceutical, or human diagnostic use.
• Must be clean and used only as instructed for collecting water samples.

You agree that you will:

• Use vials and sample containers only for collecting aquarium or environmental water for analysis and not for food, drink, medical, or cosmetic purposes.
• Follow all provided instructions for rinsing (if required), filling, sealing, labelling, and shipping samples.
• Handle any preservatives or reagents (if provided) with care, following their labels and Safety Data Sheets.

4. Chemical, Electrical, and Equipment Safety (General)

Many reef and aquarium systems involve chemical products, electrical equipment, pressurised components, moving parts, and water, all of which carry inherent risks. By using such products, you acknowledge and agree that:

Chemical Products

• Additives, supplements, test reagents, cleaning agents, standards, and other chemical products may be hazardous if misused, ingested, inhaled, or if they come into contact with skin or eyes.
• You will:
  • Follow all hazard statements, precautionary statements, first‑aid measures, and handling instructions on labels and Safety Data Sheets.
  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, eye protection, and masks, where recommended or reasonably prudent.
  • Avoid ingestion, inhalation, and unnecessary skin or eye contact.
  • Store chemicals in closed containers away from food, drinks, children, and pets.

Electrical Equipment

• Heaters, pumps, powerheads, lighting, controllers, power supplies, and other electrical components used in or near water pose a risk of electric shock, fire, injury, or death if misinstalled or mishandled.
• You will:
  • Follow all manufacturer installation and safety instructions and comply with applicable electrical codes and standards.
  • Use properly grounded outlets and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection where required or recommended.
  • Keep plugs, power strips, and connections dry and away from splash zones.
  • Regularly inspect cords, plugs, and equipment for damage and discontinue use immediately if any defect or hazard is suspected.

Pressurised, Mechanical, and Moving Parts

• Equipment such as CO₂ systems, pressure canisters, pumps, propellers, wave makers, reactors, skimmers, blades, and other moving or pressurised components may cause injury or damage if improperly handled.
• You will:
  • Install, operate, and maintain such equipment only as instructed by the manufacturer.
  • Depressurise and disconnect systems as recommended before maintenance.
  • Keep fingers, hair, and clothing away from moving parts.

Modern Reef USA is not responsible or liable for any injury, harm, loss, or damage arising from improper installation, misuse, modification, mishandling, or lack of maintenance of any product.

5. Livestock Health and Aquarium System Risk

Reef and aquarium systems are inherently complex and sensitive. The health and survival of aquatic organisms depend on numerous factors that Modern Reef USA cannot control, including but not limited to:

• Water chemistry, parameters, and overall quality;
• Aquarium size, configuration, and filtration;
• Type, source, health, and compatibility of livestock;
• Quarantine, acclimation, and husbandry practices;
• Frequency and quality of maintenance;
• User experience, diligence, and oversight.

By using Modern Reef USA products and information, you acknowledge and agree that:

• No product or recommendation can guarantee specific results, outcomes, or the health or survival of any organism.
• Use of any product may involve the risk of partial or complete loss of livestock, coral, plants, or beneficial organisms, as well as potential system imbalance (e.g., algae blooms, bacterial issues, parameter swings).
• You are solely responsible for:
  • Monitoring and managing your system;
  • Testing and verifying water parameters;
  • Introducing products gradually and cautiously where appropriate;
  • Making informed decisions about care, dosing, feeding, and equipment.

Modern Reef USA makes no guarantees or warranties (express or implied) that any product, configuration, or method will be suitable for your particular system or will produce any particular result.

6. User Responsibility and Assumption of Risk

By accessing this website, purchasing from Modern Reef USA, or using any Modern Reef USA products, you:

1. Acknowledge that the use of aquarium products, chemicals, equipment, and livestock involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

   • Personal injury or illness;
   • Property damage;
   • Damage to or loss of aquarium equipment;
   • Loss or harm to aquatic organisms and other animals.

2. Assume full responsibility and all risks related to:

   • Selection of products appropriate to your needs;
   • Correct installation, configuration, and maintenance;
   • Proper handling, storage, and disposal;
   • Monitoring and managing your aquarium or system;
   • Any results, consequences, or outcomes arising from your decisions and actions.

3. Agree that you use all Modern Reef USA products and information at your own risk.

4. Release and agree to hold harmless Modern Reef USA, its owners, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, suppliers, and partners from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, actions, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or in any way connected with:

   • Your purchase, possession, use, or misuse of any product sold or provided by Modern Reef USA;
   • Your reliance on any information or recommendation provided by Modern Reef USA;
   • Any decisions you make based on such information.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Modern Reef USA shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, including but not limited to lost profits, lost livestock, or loss of use, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

7. Third‑Party Products and Information

Modern Reef USA sells and may reference products manufactured by third parties and may provide or link to third‑party content or resources. Unless explicitly stated otherwise:

• Modern Reef USA does not control and is not responsible for the design, manufacturing, labelling, safety, or performance of third‑party products.
• Modern Reef USA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information, instructions, or claims provided by third parties.
• Any reliance on third‑party products or information is at your sole risk.

Any warranties, guarantees, or representations regarding third‑party products are solely those of the respective manufacturer or provider, and any claims or disputes must be directed to them in accordance with their terms and conditions.

8. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

You are solely responsible for ensuring that your purchase, possession, transport, and use of any Modern Reef USA product complies with all applicable:

• Local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations;
• Environmental, chemical handling, and waste‑disposal regulations;
• Import, export, and customs rules, where applicable.

Modern Reef USA does not authorize, condone, or accept responsibility for any improper, unlawful, or prohibited use of its products.

9. Updates to This Disclaimer

Modern Reef USA may revise, modify, or update this Product Use & Safety Disclaimer at any time, without prior individual notice. The most current version will always be posted on this website and will be effective as of the date it is posted.

By continuing to use this website, purchasing from Modern Reef USA, or using Modern Reef USA products after any changes to this disclaimer are posted, you agree to be bound by the updated version.