Arsenic level high

[James Robert]

Was wanting to know if 0.044 ppm of Arsenic level was dangerously high.
I'm running GFO, And also changed salt brand as well.
Any recommendations.

 

[Christoph]

Was wanting to know if 0.044 ppm of Arsenic level was dangerously high.
I'm running GFO, And also changed salt brand as well.
Any recommendations.

Dear James,

we have seen tanks with higher arsenic levels, lacking any specific symptoms. Anyhow i would recommend water changes, to bring down the level.
Do you suspect a source? What rock do you use?

Best,
Christoph

 

[James Robert]

I have had my rock since 2007,
Standard Fiji Live Rock.
I have never had any problems in all years with growing acropora. Thats all I grow. Never had an ICP test till now.
Reason being, Im losing colonies.
Here is how it started. 2 months ago,I noticed some pale colors , I tested my No3, got 0.
Tried feeding heavy, instead of raising No3, I raised p04.
So I tried dosing phytoplankton, (Huge mistake). A week later, tank being over run by HA. Come to find out, the Phytoplankton was expired. I been pulling HA from around the colonies .Its 215 gal tank..
The ICP test came back, Only thing few things, came back that needs attention.
But the arsenic is the one I'm wondering about. Almost forgot, also was dosing No3.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Substantially elevated arsenic is unusual. I'm not sure what the likely source is (tap water is some locations has elevated arsenic, but not in the US, typically).

I'm also not sure at what level it is an issue.

 

[James Robert]

Thanks Randy, from what I researched, some salts have arsenic in them, Some more then others.
I'm with you, I don't know if that level could cause any problems.