ATI labs…when should you send in?

[shakacuz]

Just received my first ATI lab test…came back with some slightly concerning things(few metals, high silicon. have already put in some poly filter) which led me to want to try the reefmoonshiner method(for the trace elements of certain things that i can’t replace normally) that being said, when would you recommend sending in the lab test, the 1st of every month? second to last week? (since it takes about ~9 days for results to arrive and get tested)

 

[Mikedawg]

I send my samples when paramaters (po4, no3, alk, etc.) have been relatively stable for several weeks, thinking the ATI results will probably reflect long term levels given my husbandry.

Good luck. I use a mix of RedSea bluebucket and CoralPro and my trace elements are always within acceptable ranges.

 

[areefer01]

Just received my first ATI lab test…came back with some slightly concerning things(few metals, high silicon. have already put in some poly filter) which led me to want to try the reefmoonshiner method(for the trace elements of certain things that i can’t replace normally) that being said, when would you recommend sending in the lab test, the 1st of every month? second to last week? (since it takes about ~9 days for results to arrive and get tested)

What makes you think you need to do monthly? That is adding an additional $50 bucks a month to your system. Personally speaking I only use ICP when I want an outside look into my chems. That being said I usually run 2 per year at 6 month intervals. Most I've done in a single year is 3.

ATI is one of the better ICP vendors with a solid reputation with hobbyists. This goes without saying and as you said when timed right can get a return within 7 and 9 days. Solid. Just not sure if I would do monthly but that is just me.

 

[shakacuz]

What makes you think you need to do monthly? That is adding an additional $50 bucks a month to your system.

i am fortunate to be able to do this, but the frugal side of me is thinking to do this every 6mo as you stated you do.

my recent concern is the metals(which i've already began addressing with a poly filter). for sake of peace of mind i was thinking of doing another test this month(as this test was sent out 1/24, and results arrived today 2/2). the minor elements are not that big of a concern to me, and i can really postpone this until i do another ATI test in august. i've began looking through my equipment to see if there is any rusting or corrosion anywhere. if i do not find any, then i will forgo any premature ATI testing and even beginning the reefmoonshiner method.

 

[danieyella]

I started off doing monthly, now I do about once a quarter since I know my tank is stabilized.

 

[shakacuz]

I started off doing monthly, now I do about once a quarter since I know my tank is stabilized.

how did you go about your monthly testing? beginning of month or end? or middle??

 

[danieyella]

how did you go about your monthly testing? beginning of month or end? or middle??

I usually send beginning of month, and try to get it in the mail on a Thurs or Fri so it reaches Cali by Monday. If I remember correctly the US gather location ships to Germany on Tuesday's.

I think the key would be to make sure that you are consistent regardless of whether you ship at the beginning middle or end. Just keep track of when you sent it and send it around the same time the next time.

 

[danieyella]

I just found the thread about that again in a Facebook group I'm in: a user commented "I work for the Distributor of ATI North America. We ship out every Tuesday and Friday to Germany."

 

[Brian_68]

i am fortunate to be able to do this, but the frugal side of me is thinking to do this every 6mo as you stated you do.

my recent concern is the metals(which i've already began addressing with a poly filter). for sake of peace of mind i was thinking of doing another test this month(as this test was sent out 1/24, and results arrived today 2/2). the minor elements are not that big of a concern to me, and i can really postpone this until i do another ATI test in august. i've began looking through my equipment to see if there is any rusting or corrosion anywhere. if i do not find any, then i will forgo any premature ATI testing and even beginning the reefmoonshiner method.

I doubt you will see much impact to your metals with a polyfilter.

 

[areefer01]

i am fortunate to be able to do this, but the frugal side of me is thinking to do this every 6mo as you stated you do.

my recent concern is the metals(which i've already began addressing with a poly filter). for sake of peace of mind i was thinking of doing another test this month(as this test was sent out 1/24, and results arrived today 2/2). the minor elements are not that big of a concern to me, and i can really postpone this until i do another ATI test in august. i've began looking through my equipment to see if there is any rusting or corrosion anywhere. if i do not find any, then i will forgo any premature ATI testing and even beginning the reefmoonshiner method.

Fully understand. Was never about questioning the cost but rather just ask. Some do balling and other additive base solutions which some require it (Triton). Me I'm always a bit sceptical so just wanted to ask. As I said I run 2 a year sometimes 3 but really is to see how an outside source compares to my manual and automated tests. ATI's results are pretty much inline with what I have here at home so to me it is worth it. And to be honest it has also found two things over the years.

I guess you could always do monthly for now until you start to see a pattern. That is sort of finding a common ground and would work. This way you get a bit of piece of mind which honestly we can't put money on. Right?

So yeah - that maybe an option. Do monthly - 25th of every month or whatever day works for you for the next three months. You have options!

 

[shakacuz]

I doubt you will see much impact to your metals with a polyfilter.

mainly to hold me off until i obtain some GFO