Anyone using ESV get an ICP test done?

Johnson556 · May 30, 2018

I've been using ESV Bionic since I got into the hobby 10 months ago. I recently upgraded to a 180G and wish to continue using this dosing system as I've had great success so far. My only question is, since my nitrates are always between 3-5PPM and Phosphates undetectable (ATS for the win). If ESV truly does add in necessary trace elements I'm thinking about changing my water change schedule from every other week to once a month or longer.

Has anyone who uses ESV Bionic as their dosing system had an ICP test done? Does it actually add trace elements similar to a Calc Reactor?

Any input helps, Thanks

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 30, 2018

You may be misunderstanding what ESV B-ionic and many other methods accomplish with trace elements. It does not act as a trace element supplement, despite having them there. The other seawater elements are present so that after calcium carbonate is deposited, everything rose that remains has a ratio similar to NSW. If it didn’t add these, sodium and chloride would accumulate, and when you maintained salinity, would force everything down. Having them there means no forced decline happens. Balling does the same thing with the sodium chloride feee salt mix.

Johnson556 · May 31, 2018

So in other words, just using ESV as my only supplement with minimal water changes will lead to depleted trace elements?

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 31, 2018

Johnson556 said:
So in other words, just using ESV as my only supplement with minimal water changes will lead to depleted trace elements?

Just using it is identical to supplementing calcium and alkalinity, and doing a small water change monthly. That's true of many two/three part systems.