First time doing an ICP test - Questions

SauceyReef · Jun 21, 2023

I would like to start doing an ICP test at least once or twice a year to get a better idea of what is going on with my water chemistry. I have a few questions if anyone does not mind answering or chiming in I would greatly appreciate it.

- How exactly does it work? Do I just send them a vial of my tank water?
- Any recommendations of a good / reputable company to get it from?

shwareefer · Jun 22, 2023

SauceyReef said:
I would like to start doing an ICP test at least once or twice a year to get a better idea of what is going on with my water chemistry. I have a few questions if anyone does not mind answering or chiming in I would greatly appreciate it.

- How exactly does it work? Do I just send them a vial of my tank water?
- Any recommendations of a good / reputable company to get it from?

You buy their kit, you create an online profile on their site associating the numbers from your kit with it, you follow their instruction for sample collection, you mail it to them, they post the results to your profile when finished. I've only used ATI and it was fine.

am3gross · Jun 22, 2023

ICP and TRITON are the ones I have used, both bought thru BRS. The ICP will also test your RODI water to see if there are anything to worry about in there as well.

Again, both will send the viles for you to fill up and send in.

KStatefan · Jun 22, 2023

As others have said you purchase a kit from someone the kit will come with vials and instructions on how to use.

I have been sending a ReefLabs and Oceamo test in each quarter.

SauceyReef · Jun 22, 2023

Thank you! Excited to get this done.

Saltysav96 · Jun 22, 2023

i do ATI ICP test every 6 months ( thanks to amazon subscription service)

SauceyReef · Jun 22, 2023

Saltysav96 said:
i do ATI ICP test every 6 months ( thanks to amazon subscription service)

I have amazon prime! Does that make me eligible??

Saltysav96 · Jun 22, 2023

just set up your amazon account to have it delivered every 6 months. its like $45

SauceyReef · Jun 22, 2023

Saltysav96 said:
just set up your amazon account to have it delivered every 6 months. its like $45

Thats awesome - thank you! Does ATI have high reviews like Triton, ICP, and Reef Labs? Personally looking into that now.

Saltysav96 · Jun 22, 2023

ATI is all i use and never had an issue with it.
ive read bad reviews on ICP analysis.

SauceyReef · Jun 24, 2023

@Randy Holmes-Farley I keep running into your replies & information from the past to often help me in a time of need (as well as come up with multiple more questions I did not have before lol). Do you have any preference or suggestion on an ICP company? Your opinion on this would go a long way for me with your vast chemistry knowledge.

MrGisonni · Jun 24, 2023

I just started another thread about my experience with ICP analysis. I just used the certified standard calibration kit for my Hanna magnesium checker to make sure it was all good. My checker tested well within the standard deviation. My Hanna test was way closer to what I believe my magnesium numbers are. ICP 1269 Hanna 1525. FWIW

SauceyReef · Jun 24, 2023

MrGisonni said:
I just started another thread about my experience with ICP analysis. I just used the certified standard calibration kit for my Hanna magnesium checker to make sure it was all good. My checker tested well within the standard deviation. My Hanna test was way closer to what I believe my magnesium numbers are. ICP 1269 Hanna 1525. FWIW

I am glad I did not go with them. Hopefully good things from ATI.