Any Help, Advice ?

Rollman · Dec 10, 2020

Hi All-
Looking for advice? So after another ATI test, I now not only have elevated tin (70.2) but aluminum (92.65). I cant imagine where this is coming from but it effects my ability to grow any SPS or monte. My source water is testing 0 so it is something in the tank. I only have 2 jaebo wave makers in display. In Sump, a jaebo return pump, Nyos quantum skimmer, fuge with chaeto and marine pure bio balls, 2 finnex heaters, apex probes, dosing tubes. Ive checked all and nothing. Ive googled online this can be in the glass apparently lol (Marineland 180). I’m seriously considering breaking this tank down over it because I didn’t build this for Zoas and softees only. Fearful of adding since I cant explain or solve what is happening. i need to just restart. All other params are in line according to apex. Anyone experience ?

thanks

Rollman · Dec 10, 2020

not sure why the pic is here 3x, that’s my day

nereefpat · Dec 10, 2020

That's actually pretty common with the ICP tests.

If you spend a while on the chemistry forum, you'll see all sorts of threads about it. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Biokabe · Dec 10, 2020

What rock do you use in your tank?

I've seen elevated aluminum and tin readings from ceramic media. Marine Pure filter media, and Marco Rocks dry rock can sometimes leach both metals into your tank. That said, plenty of tanks run very successfully with both of those elements, so they certainly shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Have you tried SPS corals in your tank recently and had them die, or are you just being cautious and not adding them until you get your params where you want them to be?

Rollman · Dec 10, 2020

Yes ive been trying sps and monte to no avail. Well, a green slimer and ora purple stylo are ok.

Rollman · Dec 11, 2020

When you search ICP test, many of the posts suggest to not worry about it, meanwhile all my sps and monte are dead. Thanks for all the help

Dr. Jim · Dec 11, 2020

I believe tin at 70 can be significant. Plastics were the source of it in my tank.

Rollman · Dec 11, 2020

Dr. Jim said:
I believe tin at 70 can be significant. Plastics were the source of it in my tank.

Glad you found the source, how did you come to the plastic conclusion? Maybe my jaebo pumps?

Dr. Jim · Dec 11, 2020

I have a real long thread on this. You can probably start at post #43 on page 3 for a summary (or back up a bit if you want more detail): Another Triton ICP "High Tin" Case | Page 3 | REEF2REEF Saltwater and Reef Aquarium Forum

In short, I soaked items in RO/Di (or saltwater) and then ran ICP tests. I found tin coming from plastic tubing and acrylic/plastic reactors and skimmers. My tank and all my equipment was new (11 mo ago) and the tank is small (45 gal). I suspect new equipment is more likely to leach and it will accumulate at higher concentrations in small tanks of course.

saltyhog · Dec 11, 2020

Had the same thing with Marine Pure. Went away when I removed them. Use Brightwell now without problem.

Rollman · Dec 11, 2020

Thanks so much guys Ive removed my marine pro balls and changed about 40 gals. Ill chip away this weekend.

Dr. Jim · Dec 11, 2020

saltyhog said:
Had the same thing with Marine Pure. Went away when I removed them. Use Brightwell now without problem.

Are you talking about just Al? ....or Sn as well?

Rollman · Dec 11, 2020

My tank is over a year old so I doubt its my PVC at levels this high. I have some soft tubing from my return pump, this is over a year old as well. Thanks again Dr, hope I figure this out

Dr. Jim · Dec 11, 2020

Rollman said:
My tank is over a year old so I doubt its my PVC at levels this high. I have some soft tubing from my return pump, this is over a year old as well. Thanks again Dr, hope I figure this out

I wouldn't be too quick to think that tin can't leach after a year. I clearly showed leaching after 9 months (then stopped my experimenting). Who knows how long it can leach.
The bigger question is: Is tin at 70 ug/l detrimental....and the answer to that would be tough to prove.