Got my ICP Test back, High Cobalt & Aluminium ?

[David100]

I just got my ICP results back from the icp.reef-zlements kit I sent off a few days back.

I have noticed 2 things that im not really sure how to fix.



3.57 µg/l Cobalt When it should be 0.1 - 1 µg/l Thatsvery high? What could cause this?

and

122.92 µg/l Aluminium When it should be 0 - 20 µg/l What can cause this level of aluminum in my tank?



I use RODI Water with TMC Reef Salt I recently did a 100% water change around 1-2 months ago and had a big tank clear out due to GHA but all rock and bacteria were kept and looked after as well as all livestock.
I have a Wavemaker, Skimmer, and return pump in the display as well as x2 heaters.
I also have bio balls in the back sump area I think they are ceramic, they came with the tank when I inherited it so im not sure what they are but they seem like bio media balls, can these cause aluminum issues?.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The cobalt is not a concern, IMO.

Aluminum often comes from problematic aluminum-containing media.


What are you hoping the bioballs accomplish? I'd consider removing them, although the aluminum may not be high enough or be in the right form to cause problems.