ICP results and questions.

USMA36 · Jan 21, 2020

i had an ICP test done back in November. My filters and membrane were about a month old. Everything on the rodi test looks ok but it’s showing very high for chloride. What would Cause that? My tank ICP shows chloride is normal. Rodi results Tank results . How does everything else look? I’m struggling with coral growth since my tank started 3 years ago. I was hoping this would shed some light but nothing jumps out. My salinity was low for the test but that is typically right in the money tested with a Milwaukee digital refractometer.

FactoryKTMmotocross46 · Jan 21, 2020

Do you use a chloramine* filter?

IslandLifeReef · Jan 21, 2020

That salinity really stands out. Do you calibrate your refractometer and if so, do you use calibration fluid that is 35 ppt. How old is the fluid if you use it.

USMA36 · Jan 21, 2020

Yes. The salinity was a one off it gets tested every day. and double checked once a week with a refractometer. I use the standard 4 stage value replacement kit from BRS.

USMA36 · Jan 21, 2020

This is the last report from my community well.

FactoryKTMmotocross46 · Jan 21, 2020

Have you measured the tds?

USMA36 · Jan 21, 2020

My tds before is 30-40 after 0

FactoryKTMmotocross46 · Jan 21, 2020

Your water doesnt look too bad. Have you been struggling with growth for all 3 years? There are so many variables in play. Parameter stability, water flow, lighting, water change schedule, etc.

USMA36 · Jan 21, 2020

Yes. 3 years! I can keep fish without issue. Including a copper band. I dose 2 part and change about 10% a week and if I miss a week I do 20% the next. Coral will live but just doesn't grow very much if at all. Birdsnest candcanes are my 2 nemisis! Birdsnest always stn within a month and candy canes never multiply don't puff up no matter the placement. Par levels average 350 400 on too of the rocks and flow is 2 maxspect gyre 230s. 90 gallon display with Reef breeder 48 v2+

USMA36 · Jan 21, 2020

What is chloride? It doesn't specify which chloride. Why would it be high on the rodi and within limits on the regular tank test. It

FactoryKTMmotocross46 · Jan 21, 2020

Chloride and Salinity . I'm not qualified to explain lol.

FactoryKTMmotocross46 · Jan 21, 2020

Post some pictures. Are your parameters steady? Are there any external factors like air freshener, bug spray, etc.?

USMA36 · Jan 21, 2020

Parameters are steady. I test weekly. Monitor temp and pH with an Apex. Skimmer draws air from outside.

IslandLifeReef · Jan 21, 2020

USMA36 said:
Yes. The salinity was a one off it gets tested every day. and double checked once a week with a refractometer. I use the standard 4 stage value replacement kit from BRS.

So are you saying that the ICP salinity is incorrect and yours is correct?

USMA36 · Jan 21, 2020

No I'm saying that day the Salinity was low due to excess top off water because if an issue with my skimmer.

IslandLifeReef · Jan 21, 2020

USMA36 said:
No I'm saying that day the Salinity was low due to excess top off water because if an issue with my skimmer.

The ICP salinity was 13% lower than what it should be. That much of a drop would take gallons of RO water. So, IMO, it isn’t just a skimmer issue. If all,of the other parameters are 13% low, then some of your other values could be a problem. The ICP results are only as good as the water you provide. If you gave them water that wasn’t your normal water, then it will be difficult to determine what your issue is.

Skynyrd Fish · Jan 21, 2020

I would make sure your salinity is 1.026 or 35. The chlorine thing is a mystery. Are you on well water? You could get ahold of BRS and figure out your ro/di needs. Maybe a cloromine carbon block. Your tank looks nice.

hometown9 · Jan 21, 2020

What kind of light is that? Hard to tell from the pictures. I had similar issues as you...all parameters were in check, good flow, 3+ years with good color but no growth. Dosed 2 part and NOPOX to control NO3 and PO4. I upped my feeding significantly about 6 months ago (bought a scrubber which is so effective). I then started seeing the growth. I also switched from a Hydra 52 to an XR30 Pro but I'm not convinced that did much of anything.

USMA36 · Jan 21, 2020

Salinity is 1.026 tested daily on a calibrated Milwaukee digital refractometer and double checked weekly with a regular refractometer. The light is a Reef breeder photon v2+. It's a community well treated with chlorine not chloromine verified through water company report. Chlorine dip test from BRS shows zero on rodi water. I also tested the dip sticks under tap water to make sure they are positive for chlorine which they were. The only thing I can think of that would show chloride in the rodi sample was if it was some how contaminated with salt, which after reading the results I think may have happened because the rodi is showing a slight reading of Salinity.