Help needed with my ATI results

cpate · Apr 14, 2020

So my ATI test confirms that stuff is off in my tank. I’m not sure how to tackle some of these issues so any help you guys can provide would be awesome!

The salinity confuses me because I calibrate my refractometer every time I do a weekly water change and had a buddy confirm my testing was correct (1.026) with two different refractometers. Not sure if I should raise it like the test suggested.

Shirak · Apr 14, 2020

my ATI results were spot on for salinity so maybe your calibration fluid is off? Also make sure you are using the correct calibration fluid designed for a refractometer.

Main things that stand out to me.. high Aluminum and silicon. The aluminum would be my first issue to see where that's coming from. I try to keep my potassium around 400ppm

cpate · Apr 14, 2020

Shirak said:
my ATI results were spot on for salinity so maybe your calibration fluid is off? Also make sure you are using the correct calibration fluid designed for a refractometer.

Main things that stand out to me.. high Aluminum and silicon. The aluminum would be my first issue to see where that's coming from. I try to keep my potassium around 400ppm

Thanks for the tips.. I use aquatic expert brand for my refractometer and my buddy uses the BRS brand and between 3 refractometers I got the same results. So I’m not sure what to do.

cpate · Apr 14, 2020

Also my RODI test shows 267.6 silicon

User1 · Apr 14, 2020

I use ATI and will say that their salinity check was accurate. First one I sent off said my salinity was off. I picked up some calibration / reference fluid, calibrated my meter, picked up a plastic one also, checked everything, and guess what. Matched ATI's and I was indeed off.

In your case sounds like you have compared already. Maybe send them a email today and see what they reply with. Tell them how you tested and that you calibrated.

Shirak · Apr 14, 2020

What fluid was used to calibrate the refractometers? Was it for a conductivity meter or a refractometer? Was the same fluid used to check each meter?

Shirak · Apr 14, 2020

cpate said:
Also my RODI test shows 267.6 silicon

Seems like a lot. What are you using for rodi?

cpate · Apr 14, 2020

Shirak said:
What fluid was used to calibrate the refractometers? Was it for a conductivity meter or a refractometer? Was the same fluid used to check each meter?

Aquatic experts refractometer calibration fluid for mine and he used the BRS brand on his two refractometers

cpate · Apr 14, 2020

Shirak said:
Seems like a lot. What are you using for rodi?

Yep, I used the 4 stage liquid gen RODI

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 14, 2020

cpate said:
Also my RODI test shows 267.6 silicon

was that 0 ppm tds? If not, replace the di, but silicate is only a concern if you have diatom problems. It causes no other problems that I know if.

cpate · Apr 14, 2020

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
was that 0 ppm tds? If not, replace the di, but silicate is only a concern if you have diatom problems. It causes no other problems that I know if.

Yes, still at 0 TDS.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 14, 2020

Tin and aluminum are fairly hefty. Do you use any white media? Is this a new tank?

cpate · Apr 14, 2020

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Tin and aluminum are fairly hefty. Do you use any white media? Is this a new tank?

I used a filter sock with polyfil fiber stuffed on the inside of the sock and a brightwell brick for media. The tank has been running for about 6 months now.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 14, 2020

cpate said:
I used a filter sock with polyfil fiber stuffed on the inside of the sock and a brightwell brick for media. The tank has been running for about 6 months now.

The brick may be the source of the aluminum.

cpate · Apr 14, 2020

I’ve seen that mentioned in other posts that I’ve searched today. Should I switch to marine pure?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 14, 2020

cpate said:
I’ve seen that mentioned in other posts that I’ve searched today. Should I switch to marine pure?

What do you need it for?

cpate · Apr 14, 2020

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
What do you need it for?

I guess Ive always assumed was that having additional bio media in your tank was good to control the nitrates..can I pull it without have my levels go outta wack?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 15, 2020

cpate said:
I guess Ive always assumed was that having additional bio media in your tank was good to control the nitrates..can I pull it without have my levels go outta wack?

I don't know details of your setup.

What is the nitrate level now?