ATI ICP Test help - High Silicates, Aluminium, Tin

[Ky_acc]

Hi everyone, I was just hoping to get some guidance regarding my ICP test results (see below).

Disregard salinity for now - not sure how it reads so low but this was a few weeks ago and I haven't seen negative results.

That said I am concerned about my Aluminium (121 ug/l), Silicates (661 ug/l) and Tin (11 ug/l) levels which all appear really high. It is important to note that none of these elements were present in my RODI sample.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what I should do here?

I have been battling chronic cloudy water and I am wondering if that is related to the high silicates (I used a DE filter once a few months back, wonder if there is DE in my system? I also have no idea what the source for aluminium and tin would be.


Tank Overview: tank is about 9 months old, 45 gallon red sea reefer 170, barebottom with caribsea life rock. Eshopps Bio lux and Brightwell Xport blocks ceramic media. I carbon dose TM NP bacto balance, and all-for-reef (major/minor elements) and use TM pro reef salt

 

[Dr. Jim]

I would never trust results from just one ICP test. I would suggest sending out a sample to Triton. Although chances are that the values are "true" I wouldn't take drastic actions until they are verified.
I believe others will say the Al can be coming from the ceramic blocks. Tin probably isn't harmful at that level but should be monitored. Here are my experiences with tin:

Another Triton ICP "High Tin" Case

I know elevated Tin levels have been discussed many times, but I would like to ask some specific questions pertaining to my situation involving Sn = 18 ug/l. (Set point is 0.1 ug/l) My tank (Red Sea Reefer 170L/40gal) and all equipment was brand new 4 months ago. Over the past 4-8 weeks, 30...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Ky_acc]

bump - here is a snapshot summary of the results that are concerning

 

[dragon99]

I'd be more concerned about the salinity. Not sure how you are verifying it, but if the ICP results are correct it's really low. If the ICP results aren't correct then no need to worry about the tin/aluminum/silcon

I've had high tin in the past and believe in at least one case it was causing some problems. Your reading isn't crazy high.
Aluminum has almost always been high on my ICP results for years due to ceramic blocks/plates that I use. No concern.
High silcon isn't an issue unless you see a diatom or other nuisance outbreak related to it.

 

[Ky_acc]

I'd be more concerned about the salinity. Not sure how you are verifying it, but if the ICP results are correct it's really low. If the ICP results aren't correct then no need to worry about the tin/aluminum/silcon

I've had high tin in the past and believe in at least one case it was causing some problems. Your reading isn't crazy high.
Aluminum has almost always been high on my ICP results for years due to ceramic blocks/plates that I use. No concern.
High silcon isn't an issue unless you see a diatom or other nuisance outbreak related to it.

Hey that is great to know. I appreciate your response here!

I see aluminum and tin and was starting to worry.

I will check salinity but I think it is fine. I use a Milwaukee digital refract to test and keep it really clean. I also calibrate it regularly with their provided solution so I think my salinity is in line - I feel like I would see some big issues if my salinity was that low for a sustained period (I.e. the 3 weeks since I sent in my test)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Unless you have a diatom problem, the silicate is not a concern.

I wouldn't agonize over the tin and aluminum at those levels, but if you have any white media in use, I'd consider removing it to reduce aluminum.